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[Jesus] 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 field. Luke 10:2

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“This is going to take forever!” Daniel felt overwhelmed when Mom told him that they had to get the house clean before all the family arrived for his sister’s graduation party that evening. Bedrooms were messy. Garbage needed to be taken out. Dishes needed to be washed. Bathrooms needed a good cleaning. Someone had to clean up after the dog. Of course, there was also lots of food and party preparation to be done. How would they ever get all that work done? Everyone in the family would have to work together, including his grandparents who were there to help. Even though there was a lot of work to do, everything would be ready in time.

For nearly three years, Jesus worked hard to share God’s message, heal the sick, and carry out his heavenly Father’s work. But as Jesus looked out at the people around him, there was still so much work to do. So many people still needed to know about their Savior. So many people were still hurting and feeling broken inside. So many people were still headed toward hell. How would all the work get done? Even as Jesus was walking to the cross to give his life for the sins of the world, he sent out 72 disciples to get to work preparing the way for his coming. The Savior was coming to bring forgiveness, peace, and life. With Jesus’ help, everything went far better than expected. Even the demons obeyed them!

Now, two thousand years later, Jesus looks at our world today. What does he see? There is still so much work to do. So many people still need to know about their Savior. So many people are still hurting and feeling broken. So many people are still headed toward hell. How will all the work get done? Jesus sends pastors and teachers today to do his work, but they can’t reach everyone on their own. Who will go and help?

Jesus sends each of us to share his good news with people in our lives. He sends us to our family members and friends, to our neighbors and classmates. What is our message? Jesus came into the world to save us, and he came to save them from sin and death too. As we get to work, we might feel nervous or scared, but Jesus goes with us and will bless our work of sharing his good news with the world.

Lord of the harvest, there are so many people who need to hear about you. Give us courage and help us to tell them about you, their Savior. Bless our work so that many more may come to know and love you. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Questions for Middle School and Above

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