Week 1: Open Your Eyes
Scripture Reading: John 4:35–38 NLT
“You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true. I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.””
Devotional Reading:
Jesus tells His disciples, “Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.” This wasn’t just a statement of fact—it was a spiritual wake-up call. The disciples were focused on lunch; Jesus was focused on lives. While they thought it was too soon for fruit, Jesus saw people ready to encounter the kingdom. Too often, we underestimate the readiness of others because we overestimate the role we think we have to play.
In truth, God is always working behind the scenes. The field you’re walking into has already been sown by others. You might just be there to reap what’s ready. The key is to see—to be spiritually attentive and present. Who around you is open? Who is hurting? Who might be hoping for someone to simply notice them? When you open your eyes, you’ll begin to see your neighborhood, workplace, and family not just as locations but as mission fields already ripened by God’s hand.
Closing Prayer:
Jesus, give me Your eyes to see the world around me. Wake me up to the opportunities You’ve placed right in front of me. Help me notice what You notice and love the way You love. Amen.
Serve Week Challenge:
Take a walk through your neighborhood or workplace. Pray as you go and ask God to open your eyes to someone He wants you to see. Write down one name that comes to mind.
Reflection Questions:
What distractions are keeping you from seeing the harvest around you?
Who in your life might be more spiritually open than you realized?
What does it mean to reap where others have sown?
How can you train yourself to be more spiritually aware each day?
What’s one practical way you can slow down and see people this week?