These verses speak of why we’re doing what we’re doing this week: meeting with groups of saints and experimenting with how to make Bible teaching as active and collaborative as possible. First, note Jesus’ statement “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (see also Matthew 9:37). Even with countless more Christians today, this statement seems still to be true. There are many reasons for this, of course, and Christian educators don’t pretend to understand them all or have solutions. We do, however, care about how the believers are equipped. Are they challenged to grow in holiness and ever deeper oneness with Christ? Are they encouraged to have His kingdom focus? Are they coached in ministry skills? Do they understand belonging to Jesus as the radical, Spirit-filled, dying-to-self adventure it’s meant to be? Do they know the only way to live is in fellowship with other radical, Spirit-filled, dying-to-self, adventurous saints?
To be Christ’s laborer means to be His disciple who works with Him to accomplish His purposes in the world. And that means to be a leader—not necessarily a leader such as a pastor, elder, missionary, church planter, or a group Bible teacher. But all redeemed, regenerated, and sanctified saints are “heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17). Such people, no matter vocation, are meant to be spiritually mature leaders who live for and point to Christ in their spheres of influence.
When you invite others into dialogue this week, again see them not only as fellow students, but as fellow saints and fellow laborers/leaders, ambassadors for Christ in places you’ll never go. Enjoy the week’s activities! Ask the Lord of the harvest to work in the hearts of the people in the group you’ll be with this week—and in your heart too.
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