Outreach: The Fruit of the Harvest

two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. 2 Then He said to them, "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. 3 Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. 4 Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road. 5 But whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this house.' 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. 8 Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. 9 And heal the sick there, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.'”

JESUS’ KEYS TO EFFECTIVE OUTREACH:
1. Take a travelling buddy. Jesus sent his disciples out two by two.
2. Expect persecution. Jesus sends us out as lambs among wolves.
3. Travel light. In today’s world, we have become so busy and sophisticated!
4. Spend time building relationships with people. Go to people’s homes and share meals together. The most effective ministry is that which flows out of relationship.
5. Be a blessing to them! Bring “Peace” to people’s homes and “Heal the sick there.”

ILLUSTRATION: Imagine if someone found the cure for cancer but didn’t share it with anyone:
• That’s what it’s like when we don’t tell people the Gospel.
• It’s time to get a compassion for the lost, hurting and broken people in our world!
• All sincere followers of Jesus will be enthusiastic fishers of men!

STORY: Dwight Moody
One day DL Moody was walking down the street and approached a man and asked if he would like to meet Jesus. The man was irritated and said, “Sir, mind your own business.” Moody’s response was, “But sir, this is my business!” The man said, “Then you must be Dwight Moody!”

CLOSING TEXT:
“But when Jesus saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:36-38).
“The prayer was no sooner prayed than it was answered. Jesus called twelve of his followers and sent them into the ripe fields. He gave them power to kick out the evil spirits and to tenderly care for the bruised and hurt lives.” (Matthew 10:1, The Message).
• Would you be more zealous reaching out if someone gave you $1,000 for every person you witnessed to? We would do it for the love of money, but not the love of God?

ILLUSTRATION:
On a dangerous seacoast where shipwrecks often occur, there was once a little life-saving station. The building was primitive, and there was just one boat, but the members of the life-saving station were committed and kept a constant watch over the sea. When a ship went down, they unselfishly went out day or night to save the lost. Because so many lives were saved by that station, it became famous. Consequently, many people wanted