What Jesus Did! 'Beyond Longing to Looking!' — Matthew 9:35-38

Saturday, April 26, 2025

Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, "The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields."
— Matthew 9:35-38 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus has a deep hunger for the lost! He doesn't passively "feel sorry" for the crowds, but he has a deep compassion for them in his heart - the literally term speaks of his "insides" or "gut level" compassion. It is not just an emotion, but a visceral reality. His love is real and moves him to act and call others to act. Jesus longs for the lost to come home to the Father. But more than longing, he's going and looking to bring them back. His call to his disciples, and to us, is to join him in his work of love, compassion, and care. Like Jesus, our prayer should be to not only work in the harvest, but also for more harvesters.

Today's Prayer

O God our Savior, the Holy One who wants none of his human children to be lost, give me a heart to care and hands to serve those who have lost their way. At the same time Father, I pray that you will pour out your Holy Spirit on your church worldwide and in my own congregation to stir us to work at reaching the lost. Near and far, Father, we want to bring your lost children back to your table of grace, love, and joy. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

9 Related Resources by Heartlight

New Windows
Article by Patrick D. Odum
What would you see if you had new windows in your church? We must view the world outside our churches in new ways, especially through the eyes of compassion like Jesus did.
Knowing Your Role in the Game of Life
Article by Rick Brown
What position are you trying to play in life's big game? Rick Brown talks about teaching a Bulgarian friend how to play softball and it reminds him that many followers, disciples, of Jesus need to be given a job description.
How You Can Minister to Christ
Article by Lou Seckler
How can we minister to Jesus? One way we can minister to Christ is to serve those in need, especially those in prison or in jail.
Drop the Rope!
Article by Phil Ware
Why are we so prone to a tug-of-war on important issues? Phil Ware talks about tug-of-war and how we so often get into them in the Christian community and whether or not it is more important to do service trips or mission evangelism trips.
See All 9 Related Resources about Matthew 9:35-38

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 9:35-38 NLT — "The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, April 26, 2025

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Interconnected!'
"Dear Follower, I challenged My apostles before My ascension to make faith in Me a worldwide movement of grace and discipleship offered to all people...."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by John Selden:
"'Twas an unhappy Division that has been made between Faith and Works; though in my Intellect I may divide them, just as in the Candle I know there is both Light..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'God's Amazing Plan' (Acts 13:16, 24-31)
"So Paul stood, lifted his hand to quiet [the people in the synagogue], and started speaking. "Men of Israel," he said, "and you God-fearing Gentiles,...."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Hebrews 11:1
"Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!