The Harvest Fields

Jesus calls us to open our eyes and see the harvest fields all around us—ready and waiting, even among those we might least expect.

“Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, for they are already white for harvest.”—John 4:35 NKJV

The Jews and Samaritans were not just hostile neighbors. They were enemies. The Samaritans had at one time polluted the Temple in Jerusalem, so Passover couldn’t be celebrated. On occasion, they were known to kidnap Jews traveling through Samaria on their way to Jerusalem, even selling some into slavery.

The Samaritans were seen as adversaries, but Jesus saw a harvest field! His disciples found it hard to understand His willingness to talk with them—like the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well—but He was continually searching for people hungry for the Gospel (Luke 19:10).

Jesus wasn’t worried about what others would say. He focused on doing the will of the Father, reaching out to people who needed salvation. Jesus told His disciples to open their eyes and see people in a new way, letting God free them of their prejudices and fill them with compassion instead of judgment.

Today, the fields are still white and ready for harvest. Unsaved people are all around us—our families, communities, and places of employment. The harvest fields also include people from different cultures or nations, strangers, and people with whom we’ve had conflicts or whom we consider to be enemies.

Ask God to let His Spirit guide you to look at the world in a new light. A vast harvest field is all around! Let Him show you how you can reach out and win the lost to Jesus.

Reflection Question: Whom have I overlooked that might be ready to hear the Gospel?