The Laborers are Few: An Ordination Sermon for Russell Harless (Matthew 9:36-37)

Matthew 9:35–38: Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. 36 Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then He *said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. 38 “Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”

PART 1: OUR GENERAL COMMISSION TO SERVE
We all have this General Commission to serve hurting people: distressed and dispirited. We do this in our ordinary vocations, within our families, in our work places, in our neighborhoods, and in our congregation. All have been gifted and all have the goal of loving those in need. This is how we should be sent forth to serve on each Lord’s Day. “Go in love to serve the risen and reigning Lord Jesus the King. Thanks be to God.”

PART II: THE SPECIAL COMMISSION OF RUSS HARLESS TO PASTOR

Be exhorted to be faithful in THREE ASPECTS OF PASTORAL MINISTRY
Three Aspects of Ministry as a Pastor
    Private ministry (1 Timothy 4:7; Titus 2:7).
    Public ministry (Acts 20:26–27;  2 Timothy 4:1-2).
    Professional ministry (Titus 1:7; 1 Timothy 3:4-5).