Fox Nation explores 100 Bible verses that inspired American history
Join teaching pastor Robert J. Morgan as he re-lives moments in history that were shaped by religious beliefs in Fox Nation's '100 Bible Verses That Made America.'
"When [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest’" (Matthew 9:36-38).
These verses from the Book of Matthew in the New Testament hold enormous meaning for the faithful — and not just during the Advent season.
This is especially true when the lines are understood within their larger context.
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Jesus, the son of God on Earth, healed the sick, gave sight to the blind and turned hearts of stone into vessels of faith, as many passages in the New Testament reveal.
He did this during his time of public ministry in the region of Galilee as he preached and proclaimed the gospel of the Lord — and aimed to turn as many people as he could toward an abiding faith in God.
Believers in God and churches that offer worship and community are "charged with the same commission of Jesus," one faith community notes. (do seongyun via Getty Images)
These verses offer "a snapshot in a day in the life of Jesus," according to Crosslinechurch.com, a website of Crossline Community Church, a faith community in Laguna Hills, California.
As Jesus spent "time teaching in the synagogues, proclaiming the gospel and healing the sick," so, too, are believers and churches "charged with the same commission of Jesus," said Crossline.
"Help people to see the sufferings of others."
"As followers of Christ, we are called to serve people with compassion, to proclaim the gospel, to make disciples and to bring healing into people’s lives."
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The site also noted, "Like the first disciples, we are to ask the Lord of the harvest to send out from our congregations workers into the harvest field."
The faithful are called to bring healing to others around them — just as Jesus demonstrated by his example. (iStock)
Fr. Jeffrey Kirby, pastor of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Indian Land, South Carolina, responded to the verses from the Book of Matthew with a fervent prayer for people today.
He shared his prayer with Fox News Digital during this Advent season.
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"God, there is so much hurt in our world. There is so much good that needs to be done," said Fr. Kirby.
He added, "Send workers for the harvest. Help people to see the sufferings of others."
Said Fr. Kirby, in part, about Matthew 9:36-38: "God, there is so much hurt in our world. There is so much good that needs to be done." (iStock)
"Guide them," he also said, "to do what they can to give others relief and encouragement."
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Said Fr. Kirby, "We are your children. Strengthen us to love and serve one another. Amen."
As people did during the time of Jesus, there are many today who are quick to anger, quick to find fault, quick to treat others harshly, or far worse.
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The example that Jesus offered during his time on Earth — and still offers today, every day — is one of compassion and kindness.
It's a lasting message of faith, hope and love during the season of Advent leading up to Christmas, and always.
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