Pray for Workers – Bible Study from Matthew
Have you ever looked around and thought, There’s so much work to be done, but not enough people to do it? That’s exactly what Jesus was talking about when He said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” (Matthew 9:37)
God is all-powerful—He could spread the message of Jesus without any help. So why does He ask us to pray for workers? Because He wants us to be part of His mission! This Bible study tells why Jesus calls us to pray for more disciples, missionaries, and everyday believers to share the good news. In Matthew 9:35-38, we see Jesus traveling from town to town, teaching, healing, and spreading the good news of the Kingdom. As He looked at the crowds, His heart was filled with compassion—they were lost, like sheep without a shepherd. The harvest is ready—are we?
Pray for Workers – The Need for Missionaries
“Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness.
Seeing the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast, like sheep without a shepherd.
Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore, plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”
– Matthew 9:37-38 (NASB)
Jesus’ Healing Ministry – A Model for Us
Even today, Jesus’ words remind us that many people are searching for hope and truth, but there aren’t enough workers to reach them. So, what does this mean for us? Let’s look more at Matthew 9. As Jesus traveled through cities and villages, He taught, healed the sick, and shared the gospel. He didn’t wait for people to come to Him—He went to where they were.
As Christians, we’re called to do the same. We may not all be preachers or missionaries, but we can find ways to serve and share Jesus’ love with those around us—both locally and globally.
The Hands and Feet of Jesus – Praying for Missionaries
Jesus knew that the need was great, and He and His disciples couldn’t do it alone. That’s why He asked them to pray for workers—more people to go and spread His message.
This is still true today. Missionaries, pastors, and everyday believers are needed to share the gospel. When we pray for more workers, we’re asking God to send more people to bring His love to those who haven’t heard it yet.
Support and Pray for Workers
Not everyone is called to travel across the world to be a missionary. But we all have a role to play. Here are three simple ways we can help.
- Pray for those in ministry and mission work.
- Support them financially or through encouragement.
- Provide for their needs however you can.
When we pray for others in ministry, we are partnering with God’s mission—whether we go ourselves or help others to go.
People Need the Lord
So many people are searching for purpose and peace, but they don’t know where to find it. The world is full of hearts longing for hope, and Jesus is the answer.
When we lift up our prayers, we’re also praying that God would prepare people’s hearts to receive His truth and love.
What If God Calls You?
One last thought—when we pray for God to send workers, are we ready if He calls us? God may be asking you & me to step out, share our faith, or even go into ministry. Are we willing?
The harvest is ready—let’s pray, support, and be open to wherever God leads us!
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you are reading this Bible study lesson and would like to learn how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to Read This for more information.