Charles Spurgeon Commentary John 4:36-38

"He that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal; that he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. For herein is the saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye have not labored: others have labored, and ye are entered into their labor." — John 4:36-38 (ASV)

And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

The prophets had spoken and written concerning the Messiah. Their words had prepared the minds of the Jews, and also of the Samaritans, to receive the gospel. Thus, the great success of the apostles must not be traced merely to their teaching, but also to the preparatory work of the other labourers who had gone before: Other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

The Church is always ready to praise her reapers; let her not forget her sowers. There are some of us, who bring many souls to Christ, who are greatly indebted to the work which was done by other men who preceded us. There are some who, perhaps, have few conversions although they preach the gospel faithfully; they are sowing, and others will come eventually who will reap abundant harvests as the result of their sowing the good seed of the kingdom.

No matter who sows, or who reaps, the glory of the harvest will be to the Most High.