Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 9:36-37

"But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were distressed and scattered, as sheep not having a shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are few." — Matthew 9:36-37 (ASV)

Because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

Not the preachers, but the labourers are few; not the talkers, but the labourers—the patient, plodding, resolute, selfless, industrious toilers who truly commit to winning souls for Christ, the men and women who do real work for God and do not play at Christian service as some do, treating it as a kind of amusement to occasionally do some small good. It is these labourers who are few.

You know the difference between a dock labourer, or a farm labourer, and the gentleman who takes a tool in his hand just for a pastime now and then.

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.

We are all loiterers, but where are the labourers? Where are they with the sharp sickle that can cut down the wheat, and, with a ready hand, can bind it, and, with a strong shoulder, carry it? Alas! in this great city, the harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few!