Matthew 9:35-38

35Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages [in Galilee], teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news (gospel) of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness [His words and His works reflecting His Messiahship].

36When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion and pity for them, because they were dispirited and distressed, like sheep without a shepherd.

37Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is [indeed] plentiful, but the workers are few.

38So pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”