Final answer:
John 4:35 uses 'ripe for harvest' as a metaphor for the readiness of people to accept the teachings of Jesus, indicating a time for spiritual gathering.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to John 4:35, the phrase "ripe for harvest" is often interpreted as a metaphor for the readiness of people to receive the teachings of Jesus.
This metaphor is used to describe that the time for spiritual harvest or gathering of believers is imminent. In the context of the verse and the broader Christian theological perspective, it invites followers to engage in spreading their faith, as there are many prepared to listen and accept it.