The “State of the Great Commission” report released by the Lausanne Movement in 2024 revealed two surprising facts: First, although 40 percent of the world has not yet been evangelized, the vast majority of missionaries (97 percent) are reaching those who have already had a chance to encounter the gospel. Second, while more than 80 percent of Christians lived in the West (Europe and North America) in 1900, today about 75 percent live in the Global South (Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania).
“The fields are ripe for harvest” is a well-known missions slogan drawn from today’s passage. It takes place at the end of Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well. The disciples were returning from their errand to town to get food. On their way, they must have passed the woman as she headed back to town to tell others that she’d met the Messiah (vv. 27–30). They offered Jesus food but He cryptically responded, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about” (vv. 31–34). Then He explained that by “food,” He meant doing the will of His Father. As usual, the disciples were a bit lost.
Attempting to enlighten them, Jesus urged them to open their eyes “and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest” (vv. 35–38). We’re not sure of the exact timeline, but Jesus may have been gesturing toward the town. If the disciples looked in that direction, they may have seen the townspeople headed their way in response to the woman’s testimony. In God’s plan, sowers and reapers each have their part to do. They can be glad together. Clearly, the Spirit had been at work in this place prior to their arrival. When the Samaritans arrived, perhaps all the disciples worked together to tell them about the Messiah. However it happened, many from that town believed (vv. 39–41).
Go Deeper
What role are you playing in the “harvest,” including local community outreach and world missions? How about your church? How can you become more involved?
Pray with Us
You are always attentive to the lost, Lord. Open our eyes and nudge us toward anyone who has a tender heart toward the gospel. What a privilege to be part of bringing someone to salvation!
Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.John 4:35
