This is the final week of devotionals that deal with the purposes of Sunday School. The focus this week is serving people.

“Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:35-38)

As Jesus went about His daily activities, He observed people. Matthew records that on one occasion, a multitude (great number) of people grabbed the Savior’s attention. The people were lost, scattered, and without direction. Their condition moved Jesus to action. He compared their condition and destiny to that of a field ready for harvest, but lacking sufficient means to reap. What types of eyesight do we have when it comes to those in our fields of influence? Sometimes we have corporate eyes which ask the question, “What can they do for us?” Sometimes we have judicial eyes which ask the question, “What will they do to us?” Missionary eyes allow us to see people as Jesus did: helpless and hopeless. When we truly see them we will be moved to action on their behalf.

Reflection Questions.

Why do you think Jesus did not tell His disciples to go feed or minister to the multitude that day? Why do you believe Jesus commanded prayer first?

There are specific places you go on a regular basis. You likely see the same people. Have you taken the time to truly “see” them for who they are? Name two people that you see regularly in your fields that you will commit to lift to the Lord in prayer.