In addition to his apostles, Jesus also appointed seventy-two other disciples, whom he sent out two by two to every city and place he was about to visit.

Despite the increase in his followers, the Lord knew that they would not be enough to reach all the towns, announcing that the kingdom of God had come near.

That’s why he said to them: “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

It was well known to all that the harvest, meaning the cereal crop field, had an exact time for reaping. An experienced farmer could recognize that time by the size, color, and scent of the grain heads.

When the field was too large, the owner of the harvest would call for more laborers to celebrate a great harvest.

The analogy was perfectly understandable to his disciples, and it fits precisely with the final times we live in.

The harvest is humanity, groaning in unison for its encounter with God. The time for the harvest is today, and the invitation to be a laborer for Jesus is extended to all of us.

The Lord declared, “Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest” (John 4:35).