In Spirit and In Truth
“Jesus replied, “Woman, believe Me, a time is coming [when God’s kingdom comes] when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You [Samaritans] do not know what you worship; we [Jews] do know what we worship, for salvation is from the Jews. But a time is coming and is already here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit [from the heart, the inner self] and in truth; for the Father seeks such people to be His worshipers. God is spirit [the Source of life, yet invisible to mankind], and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth… John 4:21-24.”
This is probably one of the greatest discourses between Jesus and the people whom he met. Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus displays His ability to connect with those who were considered outcasts. Conversations such as this one with the woman at the well reveal the heart of our Savior. And it reminds us that we serve a King who delights in showing compassion and mercy to those who broken and lost.
In his conversation with the woman, Jesus sought to open her eyes to her own spiritual thirst, and His ability to satisfy that thirst through faith in Him alone. But the woman, like many of us had a past. However, her past did not stop Jesus from connecting with her, and your past will not stop Him from connecting with you, if you are willing to receive Him.
The woman, realizing that Jesus was more than a man looking for a free drink, shifts the discussion to worship. What she did not know was the One she was speaking with knew all about worship. The woman told Jesus that her people (the Samaritans) worship God in their place, and that the Jews worship the Lord in Jerusalem. Jesus responded by telling her that worship is not about being at a specific place, nor is it exclusive to a particular ethnic group. He goes on to say that true worship will be based on a relationship with the Living God.
The old Jewish form of worship based on animal sacrifices was soon to be fulfilled in the ultimate and great sacrifice of the Son of God. Jesus, through His work of redemption at Calvary was creating a new and living way for anyone to enter into the presence of God (See Hebrews 10:19-22). In essence, Jesus says, “You Samaritans have no idea what you worship; the Jews think they do; but God is seeking those who will worship Him based on a relationship with HIs Son, Jesus Christ.”
This is so incredible and let me leave you with this: Have you any idea of who or what you are worshipping? We are not worshipping a thing or an object; we are worshipping the living God. So how does this affect our worship? On Sunday, do you worship God in Spirit and in truth? Do you worship Him with all your heart? Or is your worship just a show? Like the Samaritans, do you know who you worship? Or like the Jews, do you have a form of worship but no love for God?
This passage teaches that God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him must do so in spirit and in truth. To worship Him in spirit and truth begins with a relationship with Jesus Christ. Next, our worship must be sincere, not pretentious. True worship transforms us, encourages us and sustains us.
What kind of worshipper are you?
God bless you, Keith