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Vision for the Harvest | Javon Ruff

Sunday, November 24



Scriptures 

Matthew 9:35-38, John 4:35, Acts 10:38, Romans 5:20, Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:15, John 9:4, 2 Corinthians 6:1, 2 Peter 3:9 

 Introduction 

Today we’ll discuss the message, "Vision for the Harvest" by Pastor Javon Ruff. We'll explore the concepts of the plight, plentifulness, and predicament of the harvest, focusing on Jesus' ministry, the readiness of people for the Gospel, and the urgent need for more laborers in the field of souls. 

Jesus calls us to shift our focus beyond the temporary and see the eternal significance of the lives we encounter. Through this study, let us align our vision with Christ’s and recognize the ripe harvest fields in our communities and beyond.   

  • What does it mean to “lift up your eyes” and see the harvest as Jesus describes? How can we apply this in our daily lives? 

1. The Plight of the Harvest 

Understanding the Harvest: Jesus' Miracles, Ministry, and Our Mission 

Jesus challenged his disciples to see the multitude as a harvest: 

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matthew 9:35-38 NIV) 

Jesus sees beyond the surface, recognizing the spiritual condition of people as a "harvest." He calls us to see with compassion, not just sight. 

  • Can you name a celebrity, such as an athlete, who has publicly given glory to God? How effective do you think this is in promoting or influencing faith? 
  • How can you show more support to those who are already in harvest ministry beyond financial giving?  

We should look up to see as Jesus does, with compassion, recognizing the harvest's condition, its readiness, and the urgent need for workers. 

Let's explore how Jesus, beyond supernatural acts, was a generous giver, meeting people's needs in the next section. 

Empowered to Do Good 

Jesus performed miracles and still does. The church continues to proclaim God's word. His ministry was comprehensive, addressing both physical and spiritual needs. Acts 10:38 says: 

“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.” (NIV)   

Filled with the Holy Spirit and power, Jesus actively sought to bring goodness, healing, and freedom wherever He went. This reveals a model of compassion and reliance on God’s presence for us to follow.   

As believers, we too are invited to live empowered lives, doing good and offering hope to those bound by oppression or hardship. This empowerment is not from our strength but from the Spirit of God dwelling in us. Acts 10:38 challenges us to ask: Are we walking in that same Spirit, stepping into the opportunities around us to extend Christ’s love and healing?   

  • How can you allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in "doing good" and bringing healing to others? 
  • ⁠Are there areas of your life where you need to be reminded that “God is with you”? 
  • ⁠Who in your community is “under the power of the devil” or struggling, and how might God be calling you to bring freedom or encouragement to them? 
  • What does it mean to you personally to live a life anointed by the Holy Spirit? 

2. The Plentifulness of the Harvest 

“Harvest is not a crop that is growing. Harvest is a crop that is ready!” Javon Ruff 

Look how big the fields are! 

In John 4:35, Jesus challenges His disciples to “lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest.” God's work is urgent, and the opportunities to share His love and message are all around us. Pastor Javon reminded us that people are open to the authentic gospel, however, like the Samaritan woman at the well, we often overlook the harvest right before us. 

  • How can we become more aware of the "harvest" around us, as Jesus instructed in John 4:35, in our daily lives or community?  
  • In what ways can we share the authentic gospel more effectively, especially with those we might typically overlook, like the Samaritan woman at the well? 
  • The command to make disciples of all "nations" (ethnos) emphasizes inclusivity across all ethnic groups (Matthew 28:19). 
  • The call to serve and meet people different from oneself (Mark 16:15). 

Based on Jesus' authority, He instructed them not to overlook others but to spread the teachings, baptize believers, and educate new followers. The Great Commission involves Jesus entrusting his followers with a divine mandate: 

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," Matthew 28:19 (NIV) 

"He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'" Mark 16:15 (NIV) 

Having been thoroughly prepared and having witnessed the resurrected Christ, the disciples were commissioned by Jesus, who had been granted all authority in heaven and on earth. Today, with that same authority, Jesus continues to call us to share the Gospel and cultivate new disciples for His kingdom. 

3. The Predicament of the Harvest 

As followers of Christ, we are called to be co-laborers with Him in the mission of reconciliation. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 6:1,  

“As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.” (NIV) 

The size of the harvest versus the number of workers is a mismatch. We don’t have a harvest problem but a laborer problem. This is because many laborers don’t know they’re laborers; many don't recognize their role as God’s co-workers. The harvest is not just growing; it's ready now, with people open to the Gospel (John 9:4). 

  • Reflecting on the quote by Charles Spurgeon, what practical steps can we take to avoid procrastinating in sharing the Gospel, recognizing that the harvest is already ripe? 
  • Considering the mismatch between the plentiful harvest and few laborers, what are some ways we can encourage or equip more people within our community to become active in this mission of reconciliation? 

"When it comes to salvation, 'tomorrow' is only found on the calendars of fools.” - Charles Spurgeon.  

Conclusion 

2 Peter 3:9 highlights God’s patient heart, “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” These verses challenge us to take an active role in God’s harvest, sharing the gospel with urgency and love. As we conclude, may we commit to being vessels of God’s grace, faithfully sowing seeds and reaping the harvest for His kingdom.   

  • How does recognizing God’s patience and desire for all to be saved inspire you to share the gospel more intentionally? 
  • God’s patience will eventually run out. How does the seriousness of this sober you to the reality of leveraging all resources—time, money, talents, etc.—to share the gospel? 

Prayer  

  • Prayer for more laborers to be raised up (Matthew 9:38). 
  • Realize God's will for everyone to come to repentance and what that means for your sphere of influence (2 Peter 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:4). 

Resources 

YouTube 

Audio Podcast