What does Matthew 9:37 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 9:37 is a statement made by Jesus to his disciples, highlighting the abundant opportunities available to spread his teachings and the message of the Kingdom of God but also pointing out the scarcity of workers willing to carry out this mission.

The "harvest" in this metaphor represents the people ready to hear and accept the Gospel, while the "laborers" are those willing to actively work in spreading the message.

The deeper meaning here can be understood as a call for commitment and evangelistic efforts from the followers of Jesus to go forth and share their faith in a world that is ready and waiting to receive it.

Historical Context

Matthew 9:37 is part of the Gospel of Matthew, which was written primarily for a Jewish audience.

The Gospel is traditionally attributed to Matthew, one of the 12 apostles, and it is thought to have been written in the late 1st century AD.

The historical context of this statement would have been during the ministry of Jesus, in a period when the Jewish people were anticipating the coming of the Messiah.

Jesus's ministry involved traveling and teaching, and in this particular scene, he is expressing the urgent need for his message to be spread to a wide audience.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse captures a crucial aspect of Christian doctrine - the call to evangelism and mission.

Different denominations might interpret and emphasize this mission in various ways.

For example, some may see it as a directive to engage in missionary work overseas, while others may interpret it as a call to local community outreach and everyday evangelism among family, friends, and colleagues.

Another theological interpretation could be the conviction that God is actively preparing the hearts of people to receive the Gospel, and it is the role of the believers to respond to Divine preparation by being present and ready to share God's word.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse are often invoked to inspire and motivate Christians to become involved in missionary activities and local evangelistic efforts.

It can serve as a challenge for believers to examine whether they are doing their part in sharing their faith and to seek out opportunities for spiritual conversation and outreach in their daily interactions.

It can also be taken to mean that Christians should be supportive of those who are "laboring" in the field, whether through prayer, financial support, or encouragement.

Cross-References

• John 4:35: "Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest."
• Luke 10:2: "Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest."
• John 4:36: "And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "harvest" (θερισμός therismos) conveys the idea of reaping or the season of gathering crops, suggesting a period of great potential for productive work.

The term "plenteous" (πολύς polys) indicates something that is abundant or much in quantity, emphasizing the sizeable nature of the opportunity.

The word for "laborers" (ἐργάτης ergatēs) refers to workers or those who toil, highlighting the effort required for the work of evangelism.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The metaphor of harvest is common in various religious and cultural traditions as a symbol of the reaping or collection of something that has matured or come to fruition.

In ancient cultures, harvest season was often a time of celebration where the community came together to gather the fruits of their labor, and it was sometimes accompanied by offerings to the gods or thanksgiving rituals.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse itself does not necessarily intersect with scientific understandings, the concept of planting, growing, and harvesting can be seen through the lens of ecological and agricultural sciences.

What Jesus describes as a spiritual harvest can be compared, in scientific terms, to the germination, growth, and harvesting of crops, which requires understanding of the soil, climate, and growth cycles, albeit in a spiritual rather than physical context.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators have offered insights on Matthew 9:37.

Renowned Bible commentator Matthew Henry discusses this verse as a call to pity for the multitudes that were "harassed and helpless" and underscores the need for prayer for laborers to be sent forth.

John Calvin comments on the necessity of the laborers having a divine calling, and hence the directive to pray to God as the master of the harvest to send out laborers.

Contemporary commentaries often focus on the active role that modern Christians are called to play in evangelism, seeing the "harvest" as a metaphor for the state of the world being ripe and ready for the message of Christ.