Pastor Patrick Lowman continues in Matthew as he encourages the church to have compassion on the lost, praying for God to call laborers to go into the fields! Matthew 9:35-10:4 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. Sermon Notes: Main Point: A plentiful harvest calls for laborers in the fields. I. Jesus sets the example. II. Jesus teaches how to respond. III. Jesus equips and calls laborers. Discussion Questions: 1. Patrick asked the question about seeing the lost and having compassion. Can you say that you look at the lostness in our area and the world with compassion? How can we be more compassionate for the lost around us? Who in your life do you have compassion for that doesn’t know Jesus? How can you get the gospel to them? 2. Are we praying earnestly for laborers to join the harvest? Why do you think Jesus gave this command to us? How can we do better in this area? 3. How can you get involved in laboring in the harvest before us? Have you ever considered the call to global missions? What in Matthew 9:35-10:4 did you take away that you need to begin applying in your life?