Become – ‘Jesus’ call to the church’ – Rev David Bruce 13/06/21

Passage: Matthew 9

Matthew 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Jesus saw the crowds

• Jesus really saw the crowd, he knew them deeply, he knew the cost to himself of their alienation from God.
• Before the church does anything effective it need to see the crowds.
• Who lives and work within our spheres of influence and what is their needs?
• As we look around us can we be guilty of passively looking and not seeing as Jesus did?
• What might the good news of Jesus look like to them?

Jesus had compassion on them

• Jesus entered into their lives and angst.
• Compassion doesn’t just look on it does, it acts, it sacrifices, it brings hope. Think of times from Jesus’ life when he showed compassion.
• They were like sheep without a shepherd and Jesus’ desire was to be their shepherd, the good shepherd.
• We, the church, are called to be good shepherds. This is the way God chooses to rescue the broken.
• Do we have shepherd hearts like Jesus and act like him?

Jesus saw what needed to be done

• The harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few.
• Are we defensive and hopeless therefore we don’t see the need?
• The Prayer – Ask God to send out workers.
• God loves his people, he sent Jesus to save them. It’s God’s harvest field, it’s his workers.
• Are we willing to be the answer to the prayer?

God is calling us all!

May we all have hearts like Jesus!

Apply

What have I found interesting? 

What has challenged my life, attitudes and actions? 

How would this habit help me to become more like Jesus?

How would this habit help me to introduce others to Jesus?

What practical steps do I need to take to incorporate this habit into my life?

Is there there anything I need to pray about, explore further or extra help I need?

Is there someone I should to share with, pray with or encourage