The words of Jesus
What Did Jesus Say About the Harvest?
Jesus looked at the crowds and saw a ripe harvest of people ready to be gathered to God. He asks us to see the same fields and to pray for workers.
“The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.”
Jesus, in Matthew 9:37, King James Version
The need is great, and willing workers are rare.
“Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”
Jesus, in Matthew 9:38, King James Version
The first response to the need is prayer.
“Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.”
Jesus, in John 4:35, King James Version
People are readier for God than we imagine.
“The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few.”
Jesus, in Luke 10:2, King James Version
There is more to be gathered than there are hands to gather.
“Let both grow together until the harvest.”
Jesus, in Matthew 13:30, King James Version
God is patient, letting things ripen until the right time.
What Jesus is really saying
Jesus sees people the way a farmer sees a ready field: full of promise, waiting to be gathered home. His heart aches not that the harvest is small but that the workers are few. And His first instruction is not to strive but to pray, asking the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers of love.
Who these words reveal Him to be
He sees the crowds as a harvest ready for God and calls Himself the Lord of the harvest to whom we pray. Only God gathers His own from every nation, and Jesus stands at the center of that gathering. He is the Savior whose good news is the seed and the King whose reapers are the angels. To labor in His fields is to work alongside the Lord who is bringing His people home.
Come to Him
Around you are people ready to know God's love, perhaps readier than you think. Ask Jesus to open your eyes, and let Him send you as one of the workers into His harvest.
His words were always meant to lead you to Himself. You can begin with Jesus here, ask someone to pray with you, or read His words in the Bible.