When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed the helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Matthew 9:36-37 (Matthew 9:35-10:42, 11:1, 14:1-13, Mark 6:6-33, Luke 9:1-11)
Jesus had been rejected a second time by His own community and close family, but crowds in surrounding places aggressively sought Him. Keenly aware of their need for spiritual guidance, Jesus called all who were willing to work for the Kingdom of Heaven. He gave them power to heal the sick, cast out demons and restore life to the dead. ALL who believed were called, only a few went.
With the specialized skills given to those who answered God’s voice, there was great potential for wealth. Who wouldn’t give all they owned to paralyze the threat of pain or death? However, Jesus cautioned, travel light, expect hardship and resistance, trust God’s unfailing care, keep your eyes on the eternal goal. You will find food and shelter among those who share in your mission, but take no money! God’s Love is NOT to be used for profit!
Matthew 14:1-13 tells the story of John the Baptist’s murder. To summarize this event would do an injustice, so I encourage you to read it, but keep in mind, guilt and superstition made Herod Antipas add sin upon sin. Herod had divorced his own wife to marry Herodius, wife of his half-half-brother Philip. John had denounced this as incest and was imprisoned for his truth. Herodius held a grudge and wanted to silence John’s voice permanently. When the opportunity emerged, she took it and John was martyred. Jesus and His disciples attempted to quietly grieve and comfort each other, but the world needed them more, and so they continued on, with Love, Grace and Mercy.
If you know Jesus as Messiah, you are called to spread the message. Compassion for the lost motivated those who went. Are you moved? It WILL cost you, but you won’t pay more than you gain, eternal life in a place that exceeds far beyond man’s comprehension.
Love,
Gretchen