Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Matthew 9:35-38
A Heart for Missions
Daily Devotion – June 18, 2023
Devotion based on Matthew 9:35-38
See series: Devotions
Our Savior certainly has a heart for missions! As Jesus traveled around Galilee, what he saw disturbed him. He witnessed people wandering around lost, with no guidance or direction in their lives. Others could have seen the same people and thought, “That’s their problem. I have my own life to think about. I’m not going to get involved.” But our compassionate Savior does not feel that way about any of his lambs. Our Good Shepherd simply loves us too much not to get involved.
Our Savior’s heart for missions flows from his heart for us. Jesus cared enough to get involved. And when Jesus gets involved, he gives it his all. Jesus stepped in when we were lost and gave his life so we could have eternal life. And when we wander off—an everyday occurrence—Jesus steps in through his Word to get us back on the right path. He loves us too much to leave us wandering about in the darkness of our sin. He loved us so much that he paid for our sin with his own life. He loves us too much to leave us in the dark, so he sends his Holy Spirit to open our eyes to the power of his Word. Jesus has a heart for missions—reaching people with his Word—because he has a heart for us.
Jesus calls us to share his heart for missions. Be eager to seek the lost in your community, workplaces, and families. When Jesus’ love touches our hearts, he gives us a heart for missions and empowers us to answer his call, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”
Prayer:
Lord of harvest grant anew, joy and strength to work for you, till the gathering nations all see your light and heed your call. Amen.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
