GO BAG: Essential Things for the Journey Ahead
Matthew 9:35-36 (NLT) Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And He healed every kind of disease and illness. 36 When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Matthew 9:37-38 (NLT) He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask Him to send more workers into his fields.”
THREE THINGS TO REMEMBER BEFORE YOU GO
1. The Harvest
Matthew 9:36 (NLT) When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
The crowds are hurting.
The crowds are lost.
Matthew 9:36 (NLT) When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
The crowds stir up compassion.
Matthew 9:37-38 (NLT) He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask Him to send more workers into his fields.”
2. The Workers
We are called to be workers in the harvest field.
There is opportunity in the harvest.
Ephesians 5:15-17 (NLT) So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
There is urgency in the harvest.
Romans 13:11-12 (NLT) This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.
3. Lord of the Harvest
Matthew 9:35 (NLT) Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And He healed every kind of disease and illness.
Jesus gives us TRUTH.
John 14:6 (NLT) Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
Jesus gives us HOPE.
Romans 15:13 (NLT) I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus gives us HEALING.
1 Peter 2:24-25 (NLT)
24 He personally carried our sins in His body on the cross
so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right.
By His wounds you are healed.
25 Once you were like sheep who wandered away.
But now you have turned to your Shepherd,
the Guardian of your souls.
WHAT DO WE DO?
Matthew 9:37-38 (NLT) He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask Him to send more workers into his fields.”
WE PRAY.
Acts 10:4 (NIV) Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.
WE ANSWER THOSE PRAYERS.
Isaiah 6:8 (NLT) Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.”
DON’T FORGET TO EMAIL THIS WEEK’S NOTES TO YOUR INBOX! AND IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR PREVIOUS SERMON NOTES, BROWSE OUR SERMON ARCHIVES!