Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: Ezra 8-10
     New Testament Reading: Matthew 9

Jesus continued going around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest” (Matt 9: 35-38).

There are four characteristics of Jesus in this passage that we are to imitate to have an effective ministry.

First, it says that Jesus saw the crowds. To have an effective ministry for Jesus, we need to see people as Jesus saw them. We need to stop and look and see them the way they are – hurting, lost, and confused, like sheep without a shepherd. How often do we meet people today and ask them how they are doing? We hear what they say, but do we really listen? Do we see their difficulties, their troubles, and their concerns? Just like Elisha prayed God would open his servant’s eyes to see the army of the Lord, we need to pray that God will open our eyes to see as Jesus saw.

Next, we need to feel as Jesus felt. Unlike the Pharisees, He did not see their lowly state and take pride because He was not like them. Jesus put Himself in their shoes. He felt their pain. He felt their heartaches. He had compassion for them. He did not just feel sorry for them; he had empathy for them. He hurt along with their hurts. When we see people as Jesus saw them, the Holy Spirit will work within us to feel the way Jesus felt. He will move us to have compassion for them.

Then we need to pray as Jesus prayed. Jesus told the disciples to pray earnestly to the Lord. He prayed for the people and for the Father to send workers to meet their needs. How often do we tell people we will pray for them, but in reality, we forget about them? And when we remember to pray, do we pray powerful, effective prayers? A weak prayer life leads to a weak ministry.

Finally, we need to do as Jesus did. His compassion moved Him to action. He got involved with the people. He reached out and met the needs of those around him. He prayed for God the Father to send workers and then was willing Himself to be the worker sent. Like the prophet Isaiah who prayed, Here I am! Send me. (Isa. 6:8b) we need to get involved in our prayers, engaged in the lives of the people we see around us.

Are you ready to imitate Jesus Christ in your life? Are you willing to See as Jesus Saw, Feel as Jesus Felt, Pray as Jesus Prayed, and Do as Jesus Did? Those are the characteristics of a compassionate, powerful ministry that any Christian can have and one that God wants them to have. A ministry that will truly make a difference in the lives of people.