Third Sunday after Pentecost Matthew 9:35-10:8

Preaching Commentary

Here Comes the Crowd

Though he was challenging and divisive, Jesus always could draw a crowd. Some came because he had miraculously healed the lame or fed thousands. Others were there for the scandal, like when Jesus dined with new follower and tax-collector, Matthew in the preceding verses. Whatever the reason, thousands gather around him to see what he might do next. But this Sunday's passage in Matthew reminds us that it is not only what Jesus will do, but what will those who follow Jesus do next? Here Jesus sees the crowds, says they are like sheep without a shepherd, and then, confidently mixing his metaphors, Jesus reveals his plan to send out laborers into the harvest…