John 4:27-38
27 Just then his disciples came back. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you seek?” or, “Why are you talking with her?” 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.
31 Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” 32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” 33 So the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought him something to eat?” 34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. 36 Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. 37 For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.”
Reflection
Nicodemus (John 3:1–15) and the Samaritan woman (4:7–26) were both part of the harvest that Jesus had come to gather (v. 35). As disciples of Jesus, we follow him into the epic story of his grace that has secured a harvest of men and women “from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages” (Rev. 7:9). All of history is bound up with God’s commitment to rescue his people through the work of Jesus.
Titus 3:9-15
9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. 14 And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.
15 All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith.Grace be with you all.
Reflection
Whereas the gospel produces humility, submissiveness, gentleness, and patience, self-reliant religion produces quarreling, competitiveness, and division. Believers know they are not saved because of their righteousness but because of the unmerited kindness of God (Titus 3:5). We need constant reminders of this unmerited grace so we don’t turn God’s teachings into tools for our own exaltation. Our knowledge of God’s teachings about grace should not make us proud. Paul tells us to avoid those with a divisive, contentious spirit. These attitudes hinder gospel work, even if we have correct knowledge.
Paul ends the letter by again urging the Cretan believers to devote themselves to good works, a theme he has brought up repeatedly throughout this short book (2:7, 10, 14; 3:1, 8). Godly, generous behavior within the church is the best “advertisement” for the gospel. The situation with Zenas and Apollos provides an immediate, practical opportunity for believers in Crete to participate in these works. We don’t need to look far for opportunities for good works; God has placed them all around us—in our families, neighborhoods, churches, schools, and workplaces.
Psalm 18:35-36
35 You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great. 36 You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip.
Don’t let your heart grow proud by taking credit for the good work God is doing in your life. Give thanks and praise to him for the changes that the gospel of his grace is producing in and through you.