The Harvest Is Plentiful Series

Series: Jesus- Son Of Man [#36]

THE HARVEST IS PLENTIFUL

Luke 10:1-16

Introduction:

As Jesus looked out over the fields ready for harvest, He saw not just rows of ripe grain but countless souls eager for the message of salvation. The image of a bountiful harvest reminds us that God's kingdom is vast, and there is an abundant opportunity to share His love and truth. Just as farmers eagerly prepare to gather crops at the right time, believers are called to recognize the urgency of reaching others before the harvest is gone. Our text reveals Jesus sending out His Disciples, equipping them to reap a harvest that is plentiful, yet still waiting for workers to bring in the bounty. It challenges us to see the spiritual harvest around us and to respond with faith and obedience.

Imagine a lush field stretching as far as the eye can see, filled with golden wheat ready to be gathered. The sun is shining brightly, and the only thing missing is enough workers to bring in the harvest. This vivid picture illustrates the spiritual reality Jesus describes- There are many souls ripe for salvation, but the laborers are few. The message is clear- The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. This calls us to examine our own willingness to serve, to pray for more laborers, and to step into the field with courage and compassion. As we delve into this passage, let us be reminded of the divine opportunity before us and be inspired to join in God's great harvest.

Luke 10:1-2

The harvest is plentiful…

1. Because of God's great outreach.

Theologically, Luke 10:1-2 underscores God's expansive and compassionate outreach to humanity, emphasizing that the harvest is plentiful because God’s love and mercy extend to all people. This passage reveals God's strategic plan for evangelism, highlighting that the abundance of souls awaiting salvation reflects His desire for none to perish but for all to come to repentance. The phrase "The harvest is plentiful" signifies the vastness of God's redemptive work and His readiness to gather a diverse multitude of believers from every Nation, Tribe, and tongue. It calls believers to recognize their role as laborers in God's divine harvest, trusting that the fields are ripe and that God's power is sufficient to bring about a fruitful harvest through their obedience and faithfulness.

Practically, this passage challenges believers to actively participate in God's outreach efforts, recognizing that the opportunity for evangelism is abundant and urgent. It encourages a posture of reliance on prayer, as Jesus commands, "Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers." Believers are called to be intentional in sharing the Gospel, understanding that their efforts are part of God's larger plan to redeem the World. By embracing this divine stewardship, Christians can foster a sense of urgency and compassion in their daily lives, reaching out to those who are lost with the love of Christ. This practical application affirms that the harvest field is not only plentiful but also ripe for harvest, and our active engagement is vital for fulfilling God's purpose in the World.

Luke 10:3-4

The harvest is plentiful…

2. When we are willing to go.

Theologically, Luke 10:3-4 underscores the divine mandate and urgency of the Great Commission, reminding believers that the harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few. Jesus intentionally sends out His disciples with minimal provisions and a sense of dependence on God's provision, emphasizing that the work of evangelism is a divine calling that requires trust and willingness to step into the unknown. This passage highlights God's sovereignty in the harvest, affirming that the fields are ripe for harvest and that His plan involves human participation. The call to go without luggage or extra supplies signifies reliance on God's provision and the urgency of the mission, urging believers to adopt a mindset of immediacy and dependence on God's strength rather than worldly securities.

Practically, this passage challenges believers to evaluate their willingness to actively participate in God's harvest. It encourages a posture of obedience and readiness to go beyond comfort zones, understanding that the harvest is not just a distant need but a current and urgent call. Believers are prompted to identify where they can serve, (whether locally or globally) and to recognize that their willingness to go can make a significant impact in advancing God's Kingdom. This may involve stepping out in faith, sharing the Gospel with neighbors, supporting missions financially or through prayer, or going on short-term missions trips. Ultimately, the message is that God's harvest is plentiful, but it requires willing laborers committed to the active work of evangelism and discipleship.

Luke 10:5-12

The harvest is plentiful…

3. Despite rejection.

Theologically, Luke 10:5-12 underscores the abundant opportunity for Gospel proclamation, emphasizing that the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. This highlights God's sovereign desire for all Nations to come to salvation and affirms the call for believers to participate in His mission despite human limitations or opposition. The repeated instruction to shake the dust off and move on after rejection reveals that rejection is an anticipated part of Ministry, yet it does not diminish the urgency or validity of the mission. Theologically, this underscores the perseverance required in evangelism and the assurance that God's power is sufficient, even when human efforts are met with resistance. It also affirms that the rejection faced by the Disciples is ultimately a rejection of Christ Himself, calling believers to remain faithful and resilient in the face of opposition.