ESOCS Devotional 9 January 2026 – The Few Labourers
MEMORY VERSE: “Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few.'” Matthew 9:37 NIV
TEXT: MATTHEW 9:29-END
Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.” 30 And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, saying, “See that no one knows it.” 31 But when they had departed, they spread the news about Him in all that country.
32 As they went out, behold, they brought to Him a man, mute and demon-possessed. 33 And when the demon was cast out, the mute spoke. And the multitudes marveled, saying, “It was never seen like this in Israel!”
34 But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the ruler of the demons.”
35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
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Jesus uses the imagery of a harvest to signify the readiness of people to receive the message of salvation. Despite the moral decline or spiritual apathy in society, many hearts are ripe for the Gospel. In John 4:35, Jesus tells His disciples, “Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” There are people all around us – friends, family, colleagues, and strangers who are searching for hope, truth, and purpose. The harvest includes not only salvation but also healing, restoration, and discipleship. God is at work in the hearts of many, drawing them to Himself. He now calls on His people to engage in this great work.
While the need is great, the workers are few. This shortage isn’t due to lack of opportunity but a lack of willing hearts. Many are distracted, discouraged, or disengaged from the mission field. Luke 10:2 records Jesus saying the same thing, but with a call to action: “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.” The labourers are not just pastors or missionaries. Every believer is called to be a labourer in the Lord’s vineyard. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” God has uniquely positioned each of us to reach specific people.
Jesus’ compassion for the lost (Matthew 9:36) should also be our motivation. We don’t serve out of duty but love. And we don’t serve in our strength alone. Acts 1:8 promises us power through the Holy Spirit to be effective witnesses. God equips those He calls. Whether it’s through evangelism, teaching, serving, or encouraging, we each have a role to play. 1 Corinthians 3:9 says, “For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” We labour with Him and for Him.
Reflections
- Are you actively participating in the harvest field God has placed around you?
- What distractions or fears have kept you from labouring for the Kingdom?
- How can you encourage and pray for more labourers in your church or community?
Prayer
- Lord of the harvest, thank you for the privilege of being part of your mission. Give me eyes to see the ripe fields and a heart willing to labour. Use me today to share your love and truth. Send more labourers into your harvest, and let your kingdom grow through our obedience. Amen.
Further Reading: Isaiah 5:1-7; Daniel 7:1-14; Revelation 21:1-8
ESOCS Devotional 9 January 2026
