John 4:37 Commentary and Bible Study

[This saying quoted by the Lord is a metaphor for the distinct but vital contributions which different parties make to a scheme. In the case of the great scheme of soul winning there must be sowing and there must be reaping, and sometimes we do one and sometimes another. The disciples benefited from the work of those who went before them, of whom John the Baptist was a prime example. His baptism of repentance prepared the people for the coming of Christ. Both sower and reaper are working to the same end and are dependent on each other’s work, and both rejoice to see the final harvest come in.] Much sowing goes on in the home in the bringing up of children, as well as in the great work of Sunday Schools, and in some cases this bears fruit long afterwards. The preacher should not say that preaching is the sole means of gathering in the lost. We tend to pivot all on one thing, but one day the books will be opened and we will see how many contributed to the harvest of souls. In speaking of sending them, the Lord refers back to the terms of his call to them to follow him, to be disciples.