“Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.’” (Matthew 9:37 NASB2020)
We often focus on the opportunity to win souls but rarely highlight the scarcity of workers.
Jesus made this statement after being moved with compassion for the crowds, who were like sheep without a shepherd (John 10:11-14).
His empathy for the crowd and their spiritual condition revealed the need for guidance, calling for more workers to minister to the lost and broken.
The Lord’s expectation goes beyond reaching the lost—it includes shepherding them. This task is not reserved for pastors or church leaders alone. Every believer who desires to be a worker for Jesus Christ is called to shepherd others.
We can demonstrate pastoral care without holding an official title. Shepherding lies at the heart of Jesus’ ministry, as He is often described as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-14).
David beautifully expressed God’s shepherding nature in Psalm 23:
“The Lord is my shepherd, I will not be in need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:1-4 NASB2020)
This shepherding care reflects compassion, guidance, and protection—not about perfection or always having the right answer when guiding the flock.
God takes the care of His flock seriously, especially regarding how leaders and communities treat the weaker members. (Ezekiel 34:1-10, 17-22) He is our good Shepherd, yet He chooses to work through human shepherds, like King David, described as a man after God’s heart, to shepherd the people of Israel. (Ezekiel 34:23-24)
Hence, there will be someone that God has called to guide, nurture, and protect you and His people.
The call to shepherd others is both a privilege and a responsibility. While many are called, those who choose to embrace this call reflect God’s heart and share in His work of leading and caring for His people.
As Jesus said, “Many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14). There is a need for us to rise up and do the work of a shepherd, guiding others toward truth, love, and hope.