What does Matthew 9:38 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 9:38 is a call for prayer asking God to provide more workers for the mission of spreading the Gospel and the Kingdom of God.

In a literal sense, the "harvest" is a metaphor representing the people of the world who are ready to receive spiritual guidance but lack someone to guide them.

This implies that there is an abundance of people eager to accept the Gospel, but there are not enough "labourers" or missionaries to teach them.

The deeper meaning suggests that God is the Lord of the harvest, and it is ultimately He who sends laborers into the field; thus, the work of spreading the Gospel is viewed as a divine calling and mission that necessitates divine intervention.

Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, agriculture was a prevalent aspect of daily life, and most of his listeners would have been familiar with the process of planting and harvesting crops.

When Jesus spoke these words, he had been traveling through the towns and cities, preaching and healing, and he saw the crowds as 'harvest-ready' but lacking enough spiritual leaders or guides.

He urged his disciples to pray for laborers for the harvest, which in this context meant more people who could spread Jesus’ teachings and help gather the "crops" (i.e., convert souls).

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse highlights the sovereignty of God in the mission of the church. It acknowledges God as the master who commands the harvest, and human workers are simply responding to His call. Different theological viewpoints might emphasize various aspects of this verse:

• Calvinists might see this as a testament to God's predestination, where the laborers are chosen by God and sent according to his divine plan.
• Arminians might focus on the cooperation between God and human agency, emphasizing the role of believers in praying for and becoming laborers in the harvest.
• Liberation theologians might interpret the harvest as the work of social justice and change, arguing for an active engagement in addressing the holistic needs of people.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, Matthew 9:38 encourages individuals to actively engage in their faith communities by:

• Praying for more people to join the efforts of any ministry or missionary work.
• Considering their personal call to serve in various capacities within their religious communities.
• Cultivating a heart that is ready to respond to divine opportunities to serve others.

Cross-References

• 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 4:35: "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."
• 1 Corinthians 3:9: "For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building."

Language Study

The key terms in this verse from the original Greek text include:

• "Pray" (δεήθητε - deēthēte): This verb implies beseeching or earnestly asking.
• "Lord of the harvest" (κυρίου τῆς θερισμοῦ - kyriou tēs therismou): The phrase identifies God as the sovereign over the harvest process.
• "Labourers" (ἐργάτας - ergatas): This term refers specifically to workers or those who toil.
• "Send forth" (ἐκβάλῃ - ekbalē): To drive out or send out with a sense of urgency and authority.
• "Harvest" (θερισμὸν - therismon): Typically referring to the act of reaping or gathering of crops, used metaphorically here for a gathering of people into God's kingdom.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, harvest time was of great significance and often accompanied by festivals and rituals.

In a Judeo-Christian context, the harvest festival of Sukkot or the Feast of Tabernacles celebrated the ingathering of the harvest.

The concept of a spiritual harvest parallels other religious ideas such as the Buddhist notion of "ripening beings for liberation" or the Hindu belief of reaping the fruits of one's karma.

Scientific Perspectives

From a sociological view, movements require personnel to grow and sustain; the concept of calling for laborers can be likened to recruiting advocates for social or ideological causes.

In terms of psychology, the act of praying for others to join a cause might create a sense of community, shared purpose, and motivate individuals towards collective action.

Commentaries

Commentators have provided various interpretations of Matthew 9:38:

• Matthew Henry’s commentary emphasizes the necessity of compassion for others and God's providence in providing labourers.
• The Pulpit Commentary suggests that the prayer be made to the "Lord of the harvest" because it is His prerogative to send labourers, and it is His field that is to be reaped.
• William Barclay notes that one of the greatest gifts God can give is the call to be partners in his work, and this verse reflects that privilege.

Contemporary Biblical scholars might also connect this verse to the idea of "vocation" or one's calling in life, suggesting that such a prayer invites one to be open to God's calling for service, whether in a ministry setting or in daily life.