Matthew 9:36

“Jesus had compassion on them.”

Matthew noted that Jesus was not particularly disturbed that the people had difficulty understanding “Kingdom of God.” What broke his heart was that the people did not have heralds or carriers of the Good News.  Matthew noted that Jesus “had compassion on them.” Jesus described the situation to be like sheep, both individually and collectively, who had no shepherds so they could not possibly survive. Jesus spoke words that Matthew, a new disciple, was hearing for the first time.

“The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest therefore, to send out workers into this harvest fields”  Jesus shifted from the sheep illustration to a person who was responsible for bringing in the harvest. More hands are needed – like those of Matthew.  Matthew is beginning to comprehend what his calling entails.