Scripture: John 4:36 (ESV)
“Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.”
Jesus continues His teaching on spiritual harvest, revealing a profound truth: the labor of sharing the gospel brings eternal rewards and shared joy. Those who reap—the ones who see visible fruit—are already receiving their reward, not just in heaven, but in the joy of seeing lives transformed. Yet this joy is not theirs alone. The sower—often unseen and unknown—shares in the reward. In God’s kingdom, every role in the mission matters.
John Calvin highlights the beauty of this divine cooperation. He explains that both sowing and reaping are part of the same work of grace. Calvin writes, “Though the labor of some may appear more splendid or more successful, Christ shows that all work contributes to the gathering of fruit for eternal life.” He reminds us that even when we do not see results, the faithful planting of truth is never wasted. In heaven, the sower will rejoice alongside the reaper, because it is God who gives the growth.
J.C. Ryle emphasizes the encouragement this verse brings to all who labor for the gospel. He writes, “Every faithful effort to do good, however small, shall have its reward.” Ryle notes that while some see the immediate fruit of their ministry, others labor quietly and without recognition—but both will rejoice together. The unity and equality in reward reflect the generosity of God and the fellowship of His people in mission.
For us, this verse reminds us that all gospel labor matters. Whether you’re planting seeds through prayer, encouragement, or sharing the Word—or whether you’re witnessing the harvest in conversions and spiritual growth—your work is significant. The joy of gospel ministry is not reserved for the visibly successful, but for all who are faithful.
Reflection Questions:
- How does this verse encourage you when your ministry efforts seem small or unnoticed?
- Have you ever been part of a harvest that someone else planted? How did that impact your perspective on teamwork in the gospel?
- In what ways can you faithfully sow seeds of the gospel, trusting that God will bring the harvest in His time?
Prayer:
Lord of the Harvest, thank You for the promise that both sowers and reapers will rejoice together. Encourage us when we cannot yet see the fruit of our labor. Help us to be faithful in planting seeds, trusting that You are at work in ways we may not see. May we celebrate not only personal success, but the collective joy of Your kingdom advancing. Unite us in mission, and let us share in the eternal fruit You are gathering. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Covenant Presbyterian Church 