Open Your Eyes
Scripture Reading — John 4:27-42
"Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." John 4:35
As we saw yesterday, Jesus explained to the Samaritan woman that he was the Christ, the Messiah. So the next thing she did was to hurry back to town to urge people to come and hear Jesus for themselves.
As Jesus' disciples returned and wondered what was happening, Jesus said, "Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." In other words, there were many people ready to receive eternal life.
The Samaritan woman sowed seeds of testimony that produced a harvest in her town. The Bible says that many believed, first because of what she told them about Jesus and then because they heard Jesus for themselves. These Samaritans came to realize the most important truth of all. "We know," they said, "that this man really is the Savior of the world."
Jesus wanted his disciples to see people the way he saw them--as lost sheep that would perish if someone didn't rescue them. Jesus taught his disciples this way to prepare them to harvest people "for eternal life."
Disciples of Christ today need to be motivated and instructed in the same way. Our eyes are often closed to the spiritual needs of the people around us. The good news of the kingdom is that if we ask the Holy Spirit to open our eyes and empower us, we too can share in the joys of God's harvest.
Father in heaven, may your Holy Spirit open our eyes to people who need Jesus. Remove our fears and hesitation, and teach us to sow and reap. In Jesus' name, Amen.
About the author — Roger S. Greenway
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!