John 4:31-38 Complete Jewish Bible
31 Meanwhile, the talmidim were urging Yeshua, “Rabbi, eat something.” 32 But he answered, “I have food to eat that you don’t know about.” 33 At this, the talmidim asked one another, “Could someone have brought him food?” 34 Yeshua said to them, “My food is to do what the one who sent me wants and to bring his work to completion. 35 Don’t you have a saying, ‘Four more months and then the harvest’? Well, what I say to you is: open your eyes and look at the fields! They’re already ripe for harvest! 36 The one who reaps receives his wages and gathers fruit for eternal life, so that the reaper and the sower may be glad together — 37 for in this matter, the proverb, ‘One sows and another reaps,’ holds true. 38 I sent you to reap what you haven’t worked for. Others have done the hard labor, and you have benefited from their work.”
What is the meaning of talmidim?
SHARE. The Hebrew word for disciple is talmid. This word stresses the total relationship between rabbi (teacher or master) and disciple (student). A talmid of Jesus’ day would freely give up his entire life in order to be with his teacher.
This is the deep relationship between Master Rabbi Gamaliel and Saul/Paul.
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
Greetings, family of God.
As we gather ourselves here in God’s name and for His Glory alone, today, we find ourselves in the strength and presence of the Almighty, our hearts beating in rhythm with His divine purpose, our spirits yearning for His divine wisdom.
We are here to on this day to immerse ourselves in His Word, to drink from the fountain of His truth, and to be nourished by His everlasting love. We are here to grow, to learn, to change, and to become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Today, we are going to focus on a message that is as timely as it is timeless, a message that is as relevant today as it was when Jesus first spoke these words over two thousand years ago. It is a message that calls us to vigorous action, which challenges us to step out of our comfort zones, and which compels us to make the above, beyond most of every opportunity that God places in our path.
It is a message that is encapsulated in the words of Jesus in John 4:35, where He says, “Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”
Let us read this scripture together, allowing the words to sink into our hearts, to stir our spirits, and to ignite a fire within us that cannot be quenched.
John 4:35 (The Message)
34-35 Jesus said, “The food that keeps me going is that I do the will of the One who sent me, finishing the work he started. As you look around right now, wouldn’t you say that in about four months it will be time to harvest? Well, I’m telling you to open your eyes and take a good look at what’s right in front of you. These Samaritan fields are ripe. It’s harvest time!
As we consider these words, let us open the entirety of our hearts unto the Holy Spirit, asking Him to reveal to us some of the vast array of truths which have been hidden within them, guide us as we seek to apply these truths to our lives.
Now, imagine with me, if you will, a farmer who has been given a field full of wheat. The sun is shining, the rain has been plentiful, and the wheat is golden and ripe, ready to be harvested. But instead of going out into the field with his sickle, the farmer sits on his porch, reading his daily newspaper, looking out at the field, and says, “I will wait, it four months more and then the harvest.”
This is the picture that Jesus paints for us in John 4:35.
He is calling us to be like the farmer who sees the ripe wheat and immediately hops into his harvester, goes out to the business of harvesting it, not the farmer who procrastinates and misses the opportunity. He is calling us to be vigilant, to be proactive, and to be diligent in our efforts to increase our witness for Him, to enhance our relationship with Him, and to solidify our relationship with God.
As we delve ever deeper into this message today, let us keep this image in mind, allowing it to guide our thoughts, to shape our attitudes, and to influence our actions. Let us be the farmer who seizes the opportunity, who reaps the harvest, and who brings glory, honor, to God through his diligence and his faithfulness.
May God bless each and everyone of us as we embark on this journey together, and may He use this message to draw us closer to Him, to strengthen our faith, and elevate our wisdom, to equip us for the work which He has called us to do.
Taking Advantage of Every Opportunity
Friends, I believe we are all familiar with the concept of seizing the day, making the most of every opportunity. But how often do we actually rigorously apply this principle to our spiritual lives? How often do we vigorously take advantage of every opportunity to increase our witness for Jesus, enhance our relationship with Him, build and edify His Kingdom, and solidify our relationship with God?
Let’s make a well considered effort to consider the words of Jesus in John 4:35.
He challenges us here to open our eyes and see the opportunities around us.
The fields are ripe for harvest. The enormous opportunities to share His love and truth are abundant. We just need to open both our eyes and seize them.
Now, let’s think about what it means to increase our witness for Jesus.
It’s not about grand gestures or high-profile acts.
It’s about the small, everyday actions that reflect His love and grace. It’s about showing kindness to a stranger, offering a word of encouragement to a friend, or spending much needed time in prayer for someone who is in real need. These are the GOD opportunities we all have every day to shine His light in the world.
When we take advantage of these opportunities, we not only increase our own witness for Jesus, but we also enhance our relationship with Him. Every act of love, every word of truth, every moment of prayer and worship draws us closer to Him. It deepens our understanding of His heart and aligns our will with His.
In the original Greek language of the New Testament, the word for “look” in John 4:35 is “theoreo.”
It means more than just a casual glance.
It implies a deep, careful, deliberate observation.
It’s a call to pay strict attention, to be alert, to be aware of the opportunities around us.
So, Jesus is not just telling us to look at the fields.
He’s telling us to really see them, to recognize the opportunities they represent.
So, let’s open our eyes. Let’s see the opportunities around us.
Let’s seize every opportunity to increase our witness for Jesus, enhance our relationship with Him, and solidify our relationship with God.
The fields are ripe for harvest.
The opportunities are abundant. Let’s seize them with both hands.
Taking Advantage of Every Opportunity
Scripture Reference: John 4:35 (NIV)
“Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”
In our walk with Jesus, we are called to seize every GOD opportunity that comes our way. This is not just simply about making the most of our time, but it is also about maximum effort, about maximizing our impact for the Kingdom of God.
Firstly, we need to increase our witness for Jesus.
This means sharing the Good News with those around us. We are all called to be ambassadors for Christ, to spread His love and grace to the world. This is not a task for the few, but a very sacred responsibility for all of us who follow Jesus.
2 Corinthians 5:20 The Message
16-20 Because of this decision we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don’t look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life emerges! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you.
Bringing, Taking, Your Christian Values to Your Job
Colossians 3:23-25 The Message
22-25 Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work.
In today’s diverse, dynamic work environments, integrating personal faith and professional responsibilities can be both a rewarding and challenging endeavor.
For Christians, living out their faith in the workplace is a powerful testimony of their beliefs, especially because actions are louder than words.
We will explore further in this message how you can bring your Christian values to your job, balancing your professional responsibilities while maintaining your integrity and faith.
Understanding the Importance of Faith at Work
Faith is not just a private affair but a guiding force in all areas of life, up to and including work.
Here are some reasons why integrating faith in the workplace is essential:
1. Integrity and Honesty: Christian values emphasize integrity and honesty. These principles foster a trustworthy environment, essential for building strong professional relationships.
2. Service and Compassion: Jesus taught the importance of serving others. Bringing this attitude into work can transform the way you interact with colleagues, clients, and customers.
3. Work Ethic: Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” This encourages a strong work ethic, aiming for excellence in all tasks.
4. Conflict Resolution: Biblical teachings on forgiveness and peacemaking can guide you in resolving workplace conflicts effectively and gracefully.
Practical Ways to Live Out Faith at Work
1. Demonstrate Integrity
One of the most potent ways to showcase our Christian faith is thru integrity.
This means being honest, transparent, and consistent in your actions.
Avoid engaging in gossip, deceit, or unethical practices, even if they seem commonplace in your workplace. Your commitment to integrity will not only please God but also earn you great respect from colleagues and superiors.
2. Practice Kindness and Compassion
Kindness and compassion are core Christian values. In a professional setting, this can mean offering to help a colleague who is struggling, listening actively when someone needs to talk, or showing empathy towards others’ situations.
These small acts can create a more supportive and positive work environment.
3. Serve Others
Adopt a servant leadership mindset, focusing on how you can serve others rather than seeking personal gain. This can involve mentoring junior employees, volunteering for less desirable tasks, or simply being available to assist where needed. Serving others not only reflects Christ’s message of love but also fosters fellowship, friendship, respect, teamwork and collaboration.
4. Maintain a Strong Work Ethic
Commit to performing your job to the best of your abilities. Show diligence, punctuality, and dedication in all your tasks.
As Colossians 3:23 reminds us, work as if you are working for the Lord. This attitude can inspire those around you and set a high standard for performance.
5. Handle Conflict with Grace
Workplace conflicts are inevitable, but how you handle them can set you apart.
Use biblical principles such as forgiveness, mercy, patience, and peacemaking to navigate disputes. Avoid the obvious retaliations or harboring of grudges.
Instead, strive for reconciliation and understanding, promoting a peaceful and cooperative work environment.
6. Pray Regularly
Incorporate prayer into your daily routine, even at work.
Pray for your colleagues, your supervisors, and your organization.
Seek God’s guidance in your professional decisions and challenges. This not only strengthens your faith but also brings a sense of peace and direction.
7. Share Your Faith Wisely
While it’s important to share your faith, it’s equally important to do so respectfully and sensitively. Be mindful of your workplace policies and your colleagues’ beliefs. Look for natural opportunities to share your testimony, such as during personal conversations or when asked about your values.
Overcome Challenges in Integrating Faith and Work
Bringing your Christian values to the workplace can present unique challenges.
Here are some common obstacles and how to overcome them:
1. Balancing Faith and Professional Expectations
Sometimes, workplace demands may seem at odds with your faith.
For instance, you might face pressure to compromise your values to achieve business goals.
In such cases, it’s crucial to remain steadfast in your beliefs and seek creative solutions aligning with both your professional responsibilities and Christian values.
I once knew a Christian who had to leave a high-pressure sales environment that made customers and clients uncomfortable; they found a new job where they were more highly valued, expectations were much more realistic for sales.
2. Navigating a Diverse Work Environment
In a multicultural workplace, colleagues may have different beliefs and values.
Respect and understanding are key.
While it’s important to live out your faith, it’s important to respect others’ perspectives.
This creates a harmonious work environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
3. Dealing with Persecution or Discrimination
Unfortunately, some may face discrimination or persecution because of their faith. It’s important to know your rights and seek support if necessary.
Organizations often have policies against religious discrimination.
Stand firm in your faith, and remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:10 (AMP),
10 “Blessed [comforted by inner peace and God’s love] are those who are persecuted for [a]doing that which is morally right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].
The Impact of Faith in the Workplace
Integrating Christian values into your professional life can have a profound impact, both on a personal and organizational level.
1. Personal Growth
Living out your faith at work can lead to personal growth. It deepens your relationship with God, enhances your character, and builds resilience.
As you navigate challenges and serve others, you develop qualities such as patience, humility, and perseverance.
2. Positive Work Environment
When employees bring their values to work, it creates a positive and ethical work culture.
This can lead to increased trust, better teamwork, and higher morale.
Colleagues are more likely to support each other and work collaboratively towards common goals.
3. Organizational Success
Organizations that embrace diverse values, including Christian principles, often experience greater success.
Ethical practices, strong leadership, and a commitment to service can enhance the organization’s reputation and attract loyal customers and employees.
Practical Tips for Integrating Faith
Here are some practical tips to help you bring your Christian values to your workplace effectively:
1. Start Your Day with Prayer
Begin each workday with prayer, asking God for guidance, wisdom, and the ability to reflect His love through your actions.
This sets a positive tone for the day and helps you stay focused on your faith.
2. Create a Support Network
Find like-minded colleagues who share your faith.
Forming a support group or prayer circle can provide encouragement and accountability.
This network can also be a source of strength during challenging times.
3. Be a Role Model
Lead by example. Demonstrate Christian values through your actions and attitudes.
Your behavior can inspire others and create opportunities for meaningful conversations about faith.
4. Use Scripture for Encouragement
Keep Bible verses or inspirational quotes at your desk or on your phone.
These reminders can provide comfort and motivation throughout the day.
Verses like Philippians 4:13, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength,” can be particularly encouraging.
Philippians 4:10-14 The Message
Content Whatever the Circumstances
10-14 I’m glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess—happy that you’re again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don’t mean that your help didn’t mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles.
5. Volunteer and Serve
Look for opportunities to serve within your workplace.
This could involve organizing charity drives, participating in community service projects, or simply helping colleagues in need. Serving others not only benefits the community but also strengthens your, your companies witness.
Integrating faith into the workplace is a journey that requires deep faith and implicit trust in God, Jesus, Spirit and personal courage, wisdom, and grace.
By demonstrating a commitment to integrity, practicing kindness, serving others, maintaining a strong work ethic, handling conflicts with grace, praying regularly, sharing your faith wisely, you bring your Christian values to your job.
Despite challenges, the impact on personal growth, workplace culture, and organizational success is profound. As you live out your faith at work, you not only honor God but also inspire and positively influence those around you.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
Psalm 133 The Message
133 1-3 How wonderful, how beautiful,
when brothers and sisters get along!
It’s like costly anointing oil
flowing down head and beard,
Flowing down Aaron’s beard,
flowing down the collar of his priestly robes.
It’s like the dew on Mount Hermon
flowing down the slopes of Zion.
Yes, that’s where God commands the blessing,
ordains eternal life.
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
Loving God, Living God, Loving Hope, Living Hope, Loving Living Life His Way! "Many things are possible for the person who has hope. Even more is possible for the person who has faith. And still more is possible for the person who knows how to love. But everything is possible for the person who practices all three virtues." - Brother Lawrence (1605-1691), Practicing the Presence of God (1692). 