As a leader, Jesus was unorthodox.
He constantly challenges norms, traditions, and the established order and hierarchy. That is why the leadership of the Jews hated him. When they questioned and criticized him, he always gave answers that left them silent.
However, what is more interesting is that he constantly challenges those closest to him. He would rebuke them, challenge them, question them, and refute their claims.
Regarding the harvest of souls, Jesus and his wisdom, ways, and working still far outstrip our minds and hearts to comprehend fully.
In a place the disciples would never go without being led there, they find Jesus talking to a woman they would have rejected. She was probably a pariah in her community and city.
However, in a short conversation with a woman of low morals, Jesus transforms her into a soulwinner. Look what happens.
28 The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, 29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? 30 Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.
He begins to talk to his disciples.
35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. 36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. 37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. 38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.
Jesus points his disciples to a harvest they would not have desired, prayed for or imagined. The Jews’ attitude toward the Samaritans would have been similar to Jonah and the Ninevites.
A few questions to consider.
1. What would happen if we could begin to look for conversations with people that we would not normally talk to?
2. What would happen if we went to places we would not usually go?
I suggest Jesus say to you and I, “Lift up your eyes.”
Look what happens in Samaria a few years late in Acts chapter 8
5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. 6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city.
12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
It is my hope, faith and prayer that this year will be a year of Harvest. I want to challenge your prayer to be fervent.
When you pray with understanding, fervent.
When you pray in the spirit, fervent.
When you worship, fervent.
Lift Up Your Eyes!
In Him, By Him, Through Him,
Scott A. Phillips