The Savior of the world was also a servant to the world. Early historians estimated that there were over two hundred cities and villages in the region of Galilee during the time of Christ. Scripture teaches that in an area approximately forty miles wide and seventy miles long, Jesus went to every town and village. As Jesus traveled, He saw how vast the need was among the people, and He felt burdened with compassion for all the lost souls. We should share the compassion of Jesus. There are so many people wandering around, waiting for things to make sense, to get better. Waiting for hope and guidance. It should pull at our heartstrings. How do you feel when you see the people in your community hurting, lost, and running in circles, looking for something greater for their lives? Jesus gives us a little push here. In order for all these people to be helped, we need to get up and help them. We need more workers. We need more people to serve so others can find hope and stop living aimlessly. Jesus set the example for us, and now He’s calling us to do the same. (Keep in mind, there are many different forms of serving others, so don’t relegate this idea to a particular box.) Pray for more workers, but don’t be surprised when you hear God asking you to get out there too!

Consider these questions as you reflect on today’s reading:

What was the good news Jesus was preaching?

What does this passage reveal about Jesus’s compassion? What does it say about what our lives and attitudes should be like if we’re meant to be like Him?

In what way is the Lord sending you into His harvest fields?