Luke 10:2

And He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.

Study Bible

He told them
This phrase introduces the speaker, Jesus, who is addressing His disciples. The context is significant as it follows Jesus appointing seventy-two others and sending them out two by two. The Greek word for "told" is "ἔλεγεν" (elegen), which implies a continuous or repeated action, suggesting that Jesus often imparted this teaching. This highlights the importance of the message and the need for the disciples to internalize it.

The harvest
The term "harvest" is metaphorical, representing the gathering of souls into the Kingdom of God. In the agricultural society of ancient Israel, harvest time was a period of great importance and joy. The Greek word "θερισμός" (therismos) indicates not just the act of harvesting but also the readiness and abundance of the crop. This suggests that there are many people ready to receive the Gospel, emphasizing the urgency and opportunity in the mission field.

is plentiful
The word "plentiful" translates from the Greek "πολύς" (polys), meaning much or many. This indicates the vast number of people who are ready to hear and accept the message of Christ. Historically, this reflects the spiritual hunger present in the world at the time of Jesus, which continues today. The plentiful harvest underscores the potential for a great ingathering of believers if the laborers are willing to work.

but the workers
"Workers" comes from the Greek "ἐργάται" (ergatai), meaning laborers or those who toil. This term is used to describe those who actively participate in the mission of spreading the Gospel. It implies effort, dedication, and a willingness to engage in the work of the Lord. The scarcity of workers highlights the need for more disciples to commit to the mission.

are few
The phrase "are few" is translated from the Greek "ὀλίγοι" (oligoi), meaning small in number. This points to the disparity between the vastness of the harvest and the limited number of those willing to labor for it. Historically, this has been a call to action for the Church to raise up and send out more workers into the mission field.

Ask the Lord of the harvest
Here, "Ask" is from the Greek "δεήθητε" (deēthēte), meaning to beseech or pray earnestly. The "Lord of the harvest" refers to God, who is sovereign over the spiritual harvest. This phrase emphasizes the necessity of prayer in the mission, acknowledging that it is God who ultimately provides and empowers the workers.

therefore
The word "therefore" (Greek "οὖν" - oun) connects the need for workers with the action of prayer. It serves as a logical conclusion that because the harvest is plentiful and the workers are few, prayer is the essential response. This highlights the dependence on divine intervention in the mission.

to send out
"To send out" is from the Greek "ἐκβάλῃ" (ekbalē), which means to thrust out or send forth with urgency. This conveys a sense of immediacy and compulsion, indicating that the workers are to be actively deployed into the mission field. It reflects the proactive nature of the Church's mission.

workers into His harvest
The phrase "into His harvest" emphasizes ownership, indicating that the harvest belongs to God. The mission is not merely a human endeavor but a divine one, orchestrated by God Himself. This underscores the privilege and responsibility of participating in God's redemptive work in the world. The historical context of this passage reminds believers of the ongoing need for evangelism and discipleship, encouraging them to be active participants in God's mission.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
The speaker of this verse, Jesus is instructing His disciples on the need for more workers in the spiritual harvest.

2. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, tasked with spreading the Gospel and preparing for the Kingdom of God.

3. The Harvest
A metaphor for the people who are ready to receive the Gospel. It signifies the spiritual readiness and openness of individuals to accept Christ.

4. The Lord of the Harvest
Refers to God, who is sovereign over the spiritual harvest and the one to whom prayers for more workers are directed.

5. Workers
Those who are called to labor in spreading the Gospel and making disciples, including both the original disciples and believers today.

Teaching Points

The Urgency of the Harvest
The metaphor of the harvest indicates a time-sensitive opportunity. Believers should recognize the urgency in sharing the Gospel, as the spiritual readiness of people may not last indefinitely.

The Need for More Workers
Jesus highlights the shortage of workers, calling believers to pray for more laborers. This underscores the importance of every Christian's involvement in evangelism and discipleship.

Prayer as a Catalyst
Jesus instructs His followers to pray for more workers, showing that prayer is a powerful tool in mobilizing the Church for mission work.

God's Sovereignty in the Harvest
Referring to God as the "Lord of the harvest" reminds believers that God is in control of the spiritual harvest, and it is His work that ultimately brings people to faith.

Personal Responsibility in the Harvest
Each believer is called to be a worker in the harvest. This involves actively participating in sharing the Gospel and making disciples in their own context.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the metaphor of the harvest change your perspective on evangelism and discipleship?

2. In what ways can you actively participate as a worker in God's harvest in your community?

3. How does prayer play a role in your personal efforts to share the Gospel, and how can you incorporate more prayer for workers into your routine?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt the urgency of sharing the Gospel. How did you respond, and what can you learn from that experience?

5. How do the additional scriptures connected to Luke 10:2 enhance your understanding of the call to be a worker in the harvest?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 9:37-38
This passage parallels Luke 10:2, emphasizing the need for laborers in the harvest and the importance of prayer for more workers.

John 4:35
Jesus speaks of the fields being ripe for harvest, encouraging His followers to recognize the urgency and opportunity in evangelism.

Acts 1:8
Jesus commissions His disciples to be His witnesses, highlighting the role of believers as workers in the harvest.

1 Corinthians 3:6-9
Paul discusses the roles of planting and watering in God's field, illustrating the collaborative effort in the spiritual harvest.