Sharing the Gospel: Evangelism
If you are familiar with Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Then you know that as His disciples, we are all called to share the gospel and teach what we have learned from Christ. While the ways we fulfill this may differ from person to person or gift to gift, this understanding is crucial as we answer the call to evangelism.
Jesus speaks of our mission as disciples long before His resurrection. One example being in Matthew 9:35-36, as He traveled from city to village, teaching, proclaiming the gospel, and healing those in need. When He looked at the crowds, He was filled with compassion, and then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest’” — Matthew 9:37-38.
Key Point:
Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into His harvest
Pray Earnestly
We are called to pray!
While some see prayer as passive, it is, in fact, an active and earnest endeavor. It is the first thing Jesus tells us to do in light of the harvest being plentiful, therefore (see what I did there) we should not only see the importance of it but prioritize it.
Lord of the Harvest
You may be wondering: What is the harvest?
In context, the harvest refers to the lost sheep who have no shepherd (verse 36). They are the harassed and helpless ones whom Jesus, the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), would leave the ninety-nine for (Matthew 18:12-14). The ones whom the One who is our Shepherd would never leave wanting (Psalm 23:1).
It is essential to understand that this harvest does not belong to any individual or specific church; it belongs to God who is Lord. Which means He has power and authority and is master and ruler over it.
Send Laborers into His Harvest
Since there are lost sheep out there who need a Shepherd, there is a need for laborers who will view these sheep from the same lens of compassion Christ viewed them from. Equally as important, ones that know that only the Shepherd truly knows His sheep, and while they may plant or water, ultimately the growth comes from God (1 Corinthians 3:7).
So whether you feel called to missions or not, remember the call to go and that nations are all around you—even in your own backyard. Therefore pray earnestly that the Lord of the harvest would send laborers. Then listen—He is calling you and will be “with you always, to the end of the age.”
