This month, we’re focusing on something that challenges every believer, impact.
To impact means to have a strong effect on someone or something.
And when we think of impact, we can’t find a better example than Jesus Christ.

Jesus impacted the world through both words and action.

• Teachers impact students (words and action).
• Parents impact children (words and action).
• Churches impact communities (words and action).

When a church truly impacts its community, the question naturally follows:
“How will you impact?”

Revelation 7:9

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language…

We tend to see what we’re trained to see.

• A doctor sees symptoms.
• A builder sees structures.
• A tourist sees attractions.

But Jesus sees the world through the lens of eternity, and He invites us to do the same.
When Jesus looked at the crowds, He didn’t see an annoyance or background noise, He saw a harvest.

Looking Beyond the Play
Just because a man is open doesn’t mean it’s a good pass.
If he can’t handle it or he’s guarded by someone 7'4" tall like Victor Wembanyama, then maybe it’s not the right move.

Jesus also looked beyond the surface. He saw not just where people were, but what they could become.

Matthew 10:5–6

These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

Jesus was teaching His disciples discernment, to go, but to know where to go.
He was preparing them for their field, just as He prepares each of us for ours.
Jesus is saying to His church today:

“Open your eyes.”

The mission doesn’t start with movement, it starts with vision.

John 4:35-38
35 Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36 Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together.  37 Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. 38 I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”

In John 4, Jesus has just spoken to the woman at the well.
The disciples are confused by His priorities, but Jesus invites them to see what He sees.

The world is spiritually hungry, more than for food or comfort.
Studies show that 72% of people are willing to have a gospel conversation.
John 4:35(b)

I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.

Every husband knows this scene:

“Honey, I can’t find it!”
And the wife replies,
“Did you look right in front of you?”

Often, the item was there all along, hidden behind a butter stick or a jelly jar.
Christians can be the same way.
We miss what’s right in front of us because we aren’t truly looking.

Matthew 9:36

When He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.

Jesus saw people, not problems.
He looked beyond their condition and saw their need for a Shepherd.
John 4:35(b)

They are ripe for harvest.

Spiritual blindness is the root of many visible problems.
2 Corinthians 4:4 reminds us:

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers…

Behind every headline is a heart issue. Lostness is the greater crisis.

We’re invited into a harvest that God is already preparing.
God will never send you somewhere He hasn’t already been.
John 4:38

Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.

We are not starting from scratch, God is working behind the scenes.

The Apple Orchard
Before you ever pick one apple, someone has already:

• Cleared the land
• Tested and prepared the soil
• Planted and watered the trees
• Pruned and protected the orchard

By the time you show up, the work has been going on for years.
The same is true in God’s mission, the Spirit prepares hearts before we arrive.

Acts 16:14

The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.

Like Lydia, many people around us are already being softened by God’s Spirit.
We’re called simply to see, step in, and share.

John 4:35

I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.

Compassion leads to vision. Vision leads to action.
Luke 10:33–34

But a Samaritan… took pity on him… and took care of him.

Compassion doesn’t just feel, it moves.
James 2:15–16

Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their needs, what good is it?

We don’t need more time or talent, we need more tenderness.
The world is ready, but too often, the church isn’t looking.
When we open our eyes, God opens doors.

The Starfish Story
A boy was walking along the beach covered with starfish.
Knowing they would die in the sun, he began throwing them back one by one.
A man said, “You can’t save them all, there are thousands!”
The boy replied, “No, but I just saved that one.”
Every person matters. Every encounter counts.

Ask God to give you:

• Eyes to see the world as He sees it.
• Eyes to see the lost and broken around you.
• Ears to hear their heart and need for Jesus.
• Courage to view people as opportunities, not obstacles.
• Power to share His love wherever you go.

Every opportunity can become a gospel opportunity.

Pray this five-word prayer every morning this week:

“Lord, help me see people.”

Then, as you go to work, walk through your neighborhood, or scroll through social media, watch for one act of kindness, one conversation, one open door.
You might be surprised. the harvest is closer than you think.