The Gospel of John: John 4.27-42

Read and meditate on John 4.36-38.
The work of evangelism is a process, not an event. It requires all the followers of Christ to take their place in that work which results in souls being harvested for the Lord. And just as evangelism is a process, so also is conversion to Christ, as we will see a bit later.

                                                                       ³⁶“He
who reaps receives his wages, and will gather 
much fruit for everlasting life; together,
the one who sows and he who reaps will sing
for joy. ³⁷For it is true: One sows, one brings
the harvest. ³⁸I have sent you all to go
and reap a harvest that you did not sow.
For others labored, and you have into
their labors entered.”

- John 4.36-38

Reflect
1.  Why is the image of sowing and reaping such a useful way of thinking about Jesus’ mission and ours? Complete this prayer: I will have opportunities to sow, today, Lord, and perhaps even to reap. Help me to…

2.  Evangelism is not an event. In what ways do we sometimes try to make it an event? How does Jesus’ teaching discourage such thinking? I need to understand the process of evangelism, Lord, so that…

3.  Today you may be called to do the will and work of God by sowing your Personal Mission Field. What would that entail? How do you plan and prepare for sowing your Personal Mission Field, and what are some ways you might do this more consistently? I want to be a faithful sower, Lord. Help me to…

4.  But there may also be in your Personal Mission Field people whom others have sown and cultivated, and whom the Lord is sending you to for harvesting. What would that look like? Are you ready for this part of God’s will and work? I want to know when to harvest, Lord, and how, so…

5.  If everyone in your church were actively involved in sowing and reaping, do you think this would have an impact on your community? In what ways? What “rewards” (“wages” v. 26) would you expect your church to receive from such an effort? Bring together into one your prayers from questions 1-4.

Summary
“The spiritual sowing indicates those who tilled beforehand by the voice of the prophets. The multitude of spiritual ears is those brought to the faith that is shown through Christ. But the harvest is white, in other words, already ripe for faith, and confirmed toward a godly life. But the sickle of the reaper is the glittering and sharp word of the apostle, cutting away the hearers from the worship according to the law and transferring them to the floor, that is, to the church of God. There, they are bruised and pressed by good works and shall be set forth as pure wheat worthy of the divine harvest.” Cyril of Alexandria (375-444 AD)

Meditate on Matthew 9.35-38. Do you believe the harvest is plentiful? Do you pray regularly for the sowing and reaping of the harvest? As one who has been sent by Lord as He was sent (Jn. 20.21), what are the implications of this for your daily walk with and work for the Lord?

Closing Prayer
When the LORD brought back the captivity of Zion,
We were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
And our tongue with singing.
Then they said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us,
And we are glad.
Bring back our captivity, O LORD,
As the streams in the South.
Those who sow in tears
Shall reap in joy.
He who continually goes forth weeping,
Bearing seed for sowing,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
Bringing his sheaves with him.

Psalm 126

Psalm 126 (Truro: Shout, for the Blessed Jesus Reigns!)
When God restored our fortunes all,
We were like those who sweetly dream.
Our mouths with joy and laughter filled,
Made Him our constant song and theme.

Then the astonished nations said,
“The Lord has done great things for them!”
Indeed, great things our God has done,
Whose Name we praise, Amen, Amen!

Restore our fortunes, Lord our King!
Let grace like flowing streams prevail.
All they with tears of joy shall sing
Who sow while yet they weep and wail.

They who in tears of sorrow sow
And cast their seed on every hand,
With joy shall reach their heav’nly home,
And bring the harvest of their land.
           
T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series IV a and b: John, edited by Joel C. Elowsky, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006. Verse translation of John by T. M. Moore.