The Life and Ministry of Jesus
Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.” John 4:35–38
The disciples were learning a valuable lesson that would encourage them in the years to come. It takes faith to plow the soil and plant the seed, but God has promised a harvest. In a few years, Peter and John would participate in another harvest among the Samaritans (Acts 8:5–25).
Those who sow may not see the harvest, but those who reap will see it and give thanks for the faithful labors of the sowers. The Greek word translated “labor” in John 4:38 is translated “wearied” in John 4:6. Sowing, cultivating, and harvesting are difficult tasks, not only in the physical realm, but also in the spiritual. There is no place in the harvest for lazy people. The work is too difficult and the laborers are too few. 1
Personal Encouragement
Would you consider yourself a laborer for Jesus? Will you pray for more laborers to do the Lord’s work on earth? Are you sowing, or are you reaping?
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9
The work of the ministry takes time, and few are willing to take time.
A Prayer
Lord, teaching me like You taught Your disciples…to look and see the harvest.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
