Three People Are Involved in Evangelism

In John 4: 35-38, Jesus said:

35 “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36 And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.”

A quick look at John 4 reveals three people involved in evangelism. Notice that there are those who are a part of the harvest – the non-believer – who is your friend, neighbor, relative, or co-worker. Jesus tells us that they are ripe; ready to hear the good news. Then there are the disciples to whom Jesus is talking – the believer. Notice the words used to describe the believer in the different stages he may be in – reaper, gatherer, sower, laborer, and finally rejoicer. God is the third person involved and He is the One who sends out the laborers – it is His harvest and they are His fields.