The Harvest

Matthew 9:35-38 KJVS And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. [36] But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. [37] Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; [38] Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

John 4:30-45

Jesus is introducing a concept that seemed to be contrary to what the understanding was back then and even more today.

He is giving His disciples and all of His followers an understanding as to the assignment at hand.

He is metaphorically using a harvest to convey the nature of this assignment.

• It is a specific assignment of just reaping.

• It is not an event but a process

• It requires effort

• The end goal is to discover and separate the usable part.

  
  

The harvest was a crucial agricultural event that brought significant joy, thanksgiving and celebration to the entire community.

It signified the reward for tremendous sacrifice made in the process of clearing the fields, planting and even protecting the crop from animals and other enemies that it can get to this point.

It was marked by the feast of weeks or what we call Pentecost.

Considering the intense labour and the tremendous investment that went into this process there was first:

The Preparation for a Harvest

Both texts begin with an observation made by Christ, one of which he seems to draw the attention of the disciples to.

• Observe the stage of the crop

• Develop an attitude to work

• Appreciate the investment and sacrifice made for this field

• Get the store houses ready both in capacity and safety

• Recruit and ready the labourers for the task

• Mismatch between amount of work and availability of workers.

  
  

The Picture of a Harvest

• Marked by thanksgiving.

• Marked by a change of atmosphere with strong anticipation.

• All focus is on the field

• A readiness to work because the reward is sure.

• Harvesting becomes the activity of the community

The Process of a Harvest

Harvesting

• Cutting with a sharp sickle

• Binding stalks into bundles or sheaves

• Transport to a flat open area on a hilltop called the threshing floor

  
  

Threshing

• Animals were used to tread and crush the stalks to release the grain

winnowing

• Separating the grain from chaff by throwing it into the air

• Wind separates the chaff from the wheat

• The grain is properly stored

Application

1. His perspective of the condition of the people prompted Him. How do you see people?

2. We will not move unless the conditions of humanity moves us. How are the conditions of persons impacting us?

3. We are partakers of the joyous part of an entire process that we made no initial investment in. Are we appreciative of the privilege to be invited just for the reaping?

4. Appreciation of His sacrificial redemptive work must motivate every believer to commit to the harvest. Are we grateful for the work He has done in preparation?

5. We must find our assigned role in the harvest and seek the empowerment of Holy Spirit to effectively fulfill it. What is my role in the process?

6. The harvest is complete when Wheat is finally separated from the chaff. Have I gone through the complete process?

7. The process is to strip away everything that must have assisted in its past development but useless in its future purpose. From potential to usable.

   
   

This message is for two sets of persons:

A. The Convert

• You cannot be too busy to be discipled. Matthew 4:19-20 KJVS “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. [20] And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.”

• Baptism is not a transaction that satisfies the entire deal.

B. The Christian and Leader

• Discipleship is what produces the usable article.

• Discipleship is the mandate of the kingdom. Matthew 28:19-20 KJVS Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

• My responsibility is to ensure that someone is discipled by me.

• Pray that God sends His labourers to His harvest.

  
  

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