Being Human; Part 3: Wisdom
In our short “Being Human” miniseries, we have taken time out from Ephesians to consider what it means to be human. We live in times where we are flooded with information and that information is generally seen as knowledge. When we apply that knowledge, we are then considered wise in the ways of the world. The problem with this is that there can be no real wisdom apart from the knowledge of God and understanding that knowledge to a point where we can apply it in our everyday lives. That is true wisdom. In today’s sermon, we consider the wisdom of Jesus and what it means for us to be wise. Today we are focusing on verses 37 and 38.
Scripture
Matthew 9:35-38 ESV 35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Bible Study Questions
Jesus shows us
In verses 35 and 36, Jesus shows humility and compassion in healing every disease and every affliction. How is this wise?
Matthew 9:37-38 ESV Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
John 14:6 ESV Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Revelation 3:20 ESV Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
Jesus’ wisdom
Jesus shows wisdom in these verses because instead of telling the disciples what they need to do, He shows them. Jesus was the one showing the disciples what to do and how to care for the lost sheep before He sent them out. What other stories can you recall that demonstrate His wisdom.
Matthew 9:37-38 ESV Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Matthew 22:17-21 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar's.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.”
John 8:4-11 ESV they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”
Understanding wisdom
If we are to understand true wisdom, we need to realise that wisdom is not based on earthly things. Wisdom is the knowledge of God applied. How does the Bible teach us this?
Matthew 9:37-38 ESV Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Matthew 6: 33ESV But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you
Ephesians 1:16-17 ESV I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him
Attaining wisdom
One could argue that in this modern age we are living in, most people would tell you that wisdom comes from knowledge. And that to become wise, you need to understand how the world works and apply your knowledge to the world. This is not what God teaches us. How is it different?
Matthew 9:37-38 ESV Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Proverbs 2:6 ESV For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
Luke 21:15 ESV For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.
Wisdom for missions
Jesus tells the disciples that the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. In our own wisdom, we would likely enact a plan to save the lost and reap the harvest. Jesus has another method and it’s incredible, what is it?
Matthew 9:37-38 ESV Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
1 John 5:14-15 ESV And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
Wait on the Lord
In our zeal for Christ and wanting the world to know, we often want to go out and do our own thing. But there is an important lesson here for all us. We must serve in God’s kingdom, but before we do, what must we do?
Matthew 9:37-38 ESV Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Isaiah 40:31 ESV But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Doing missions
Why is praying so important for us before we can do missions?
Matthew 9:37-38 ESV Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
2 Peter 1:3 ESV His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,
Ephesians 2:10 ESV For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.