Seeking Jesus First Feb. 17, 2026

One Sows and Another Reaps

Today’s Reading: John 4:31–42
(Read the full passage before reflecting below.)

“For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.” (John 4:37–38, NKJV)

As the Samaritans begin walking toward Jesus because of the woman’s testimony, He shifts His disciples’ understanding of ministry. They were just learning to lift their eyes and see the harvest. Now He teaches them something deeper about how the kingdom works.

The harvest is rarely the result of one person’s effort.

Jesus declares a principle that stretches beyond that moment at the well: one sows and another reaps. In God’s economy, work is shared. Preparation and fulfillment often occur through different hands.

Consider what had already happened in Samaria. The Law had been given generations earlier. The prophets had spoken. Even in their fractured state, the Samaritans retained parts of the Pentateuch and a longing for the coming Messiah. Seeds had been planted long before Jesus sat at that well.

Now the disciples were stepping into a moment of visible fruit.

This is profoundly humbling. Jesus tells them plainly: “I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored.” Others had labored. Others had sown. The disciples were beneficiaries of faithfulness that preceded them.

This guards us from pride and discouragement at the same time.

If we reap, it is not solely because of us.
If we sow without seeing results, it is not wasted.

In the kingdom of God, nothing done in obedience is lost. Every act of faithfulness, every word of truth, every quiet prayer plants something eternal. We may not always see the fruit, but the Lord of the harvest does.

This principle also protects unity within the body of Christ. There are different roles, different seasons, different assignments. Some are called to break ground. Some are called to water. Some are called to gather what has matured. None stand alone. All serve under the same Lord.

And notice something important: Jesus is not speaking merely about evangelistic technique. He is revealing how God has always worked. The Father prepared hearts through history. The Son revealed Himself in fullness. The Spirit brings conviction and life. Even within the Godhead, there is harmony of sowing and reaping.

The Samaritan woman sowed by testimony. The disciples would reap by teaching and gathering. Later, others would continue the work. The joy is shared because the labor is shared.

This truth calls us to steady faithfulness. We do not measure obedience by immediate outcome. We measure it by alignment with Christ. The harvest belongs to Him. He alone knows the full story behind every heart.

Today, consider where you may be sowing. Perhaps you are praying for someone who has not yet responded. Perhaps you are living quietly in a way that bears witness without applause. Or perhaps you are stepping into a moment where fruit is visible.

Wherever you are in the process, remember: the kingdom advances through cooperation with heaven.

One sows.
Another reaps.
But it is God who gives the increase.

And in His wisdom, He allows us to share in the joy.