11. John 4:27-42 Jesus Calls Workers for the Harvest of Souls

March 12th, 2025
by Jongseung Park

1. SCRIPTURE

John 4:27-42

28 So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” 30 They went out of the town and were coming to him.
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34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.
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39 Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”

2. OBSERVATIONS :

What does this passage reveal about God?

God desires for all people, not just a select group, to come to know Him. Jesus interacts with the Samaritan woman, showing that His message is for everyone, regardless of background.
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Jesus is focused on doing His Father’s will. He describes it as His "food" (v. 34), showing that God's work is His greatest priority and satisfaction.
God is always at work in bringing people to faith. Some plant seeds, others help bring in the harvest, but ultimately, it is God who grows His kingdom.
Jesus is the Savior of the world.

What does this passage reveal about human nature?

People are often slow to see what God is doing. The disciples were focused on physical needs like food, while Jesus was focused on spiritual needs (v. 31-33).
The Samaritan woman, despite her past, immediately shares her testimony and brings others to Jesus (v. 29). This shows that anyone, no matter their background, can be a witness for Christ.

What did this passage mean to its original audience?

At the time of this event, the disciples were likely uncomfortable with Jesus speaking to a Samaritan woman, as it went against cultural norms. However, Jesus was teaching them that God's salvation is for all people, not just Jews. This lesson would be especially surprising to them and would also challenge the readers of the Gospel of John to expand their understanding of God's inclusive love.

The idea of sowing and reaping (v. 37-38) would have reminded the audience of how God's work spans generations. Prophets and faithful people before them had prepared the way for Jesus, and now they were stepping into the harvest.

Many Jews thought the Messiah was only for them, but here, even the Samaritans, who were considered outsiders, were accepting Jesus as their Savior.

3. APPLICATION:

How does this passage impact my attitude?

Jesus said His 'food' was doing what God wanted (John 4:34). This really makes me think: What am I looking for to feel satisfied in life? Am I focused on things like comfort, success, or getting approval from others, or do I find real fulfillment in following God’s plan for me? It makes me think about my priorities and how I spend my time and energy. In a world where people often chase after things that don’t last, I want my true joy and purpose to come from knowing and following God. His will should be what truly fills me up, and I want my attitude to show that.

Jesus saw the Samaritan woman as someone in need of salvation. I should see people the way Jesus does. Rather than ignoring or judging others based on their background, struggles, or past mistakes, I should learn to see every person as valuable and loved by God, just as Jesus did.

How does this passage challenge my actions?
Like the Samaritan woman, I will take steps to share how Jesus has changed my life, whether in conversation, social media, or personal interactions.

4. PRAYER:

Lord,
thank You for reminding me that true satisfaction comes from doing Your will. Help me to focus on what really matters and find joy in following Your plan. Teach me to see others through Jesus’ eyes, valuing them as You do, and not judging by their past or struggles. Give me the boldness to share how You’ve changed my life with those around me. Use me to spread Your love and truth in everything I do.
In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Posted in The Gospel of John