Worship the Lord S.R. John 4: 19-26

John 4:19-26 (NIV2011) 19  “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. 20  Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” 21  “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22  You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.

John 4:19-26 (NIV2011) 23  Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24  God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” 25  The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26  Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”

Jesus is in Samaria. A conversation is initiated

Let’s put the conversation into context. It begins when Christ asks a Samaritan woman for a drink of water and she is surprised at the request, ‘for Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans’.(V9)

Samaritans & Jews had irreconcilable differences! Jews had the complete Law, prophets & writings. Jews had to perform all acts of worship in Jerusalem, most assisted by the priests. The Jews did not consider the Samaritans worthy of any kind of blessing. Samaritans were a mixed race of Jews & gentiles. Samaritans have only the first 5 books (The books of Moses). Samaritans worshipped on Mount Gerizim, near Sychar.

The conversation turns to which one is right. John 4:19-20 (NASB) 19  The woman *said to Him, "Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20  "Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship."

John 4:21-23 (NASB) 21  Jesus *said to her, "Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. He proceeds to explain that what is now taking place will no longer matter.

And, location will no longer be an issue! (V21)

Jesus now declares; John 4:23-24 (NASB) 23  "But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. 24  "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

Jesus speaks of ‘true worshippers being sought by the Father’. (V23)

What did Jesus mean?

Not talking about method or ritual! The words Jesus spoke to this woman do not set out a ‘method or pattern’, but something Jesus considers more important. John 4:23 (NASB) 23  …true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; Not talking about method or ritual!

The object of our worship must be the ‘Father’ so our focus should be on Him!

So, what does it mean and how can we worship Him in “spirit & truth”?

Define Worship. 4352 προσκυνέω proskuneo {pros-koo-neh'-o} Meaning: 1) to kiss the hand in token of reverence Origin: from 4314 and a probable derivative of 2965 (meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master's hand) This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

This is the attitude they needed to have within their hearts when worshipping the Lord! Neither the Jews nor the Samaritans properly understood the ‘spirit’ of worship and its place in their relationship with God!

The Jews were mechanical & ritualistic, while the Samaritans lacked proper knowledge.(V22)

Jesus is signifying that a change is being brought about by the Father which will eliminate false worshippers of all kinds, to be replaced by those who have 2 important qualities – the spirit & the truth.

For us to become ‘true worshippers’, we must be taught the truth. The greatest ‘truth’ is Christ Himself! John 14:6 (NIV2011) 6  Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. The truth.

Paul confirmed the power & benefit of this truth. Ephesians 1:13-14 (NASB) 13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory.

Jesus had told her that salvation was from the Jews (V22) and also spoke to her of ‘living waters leading to eternity’ (V13 & 14) He was speaking of the ‘indwelling’ (living within us) spirit of God given to those who hear & obey the truth! (Rom 8:11) The Spirit Romans 8:11 (NIV2011) 11  And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

The ‘Holy Spirit’ is given to those who repent. Acts 2:38-39 (NASB) 38  Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39  "For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself." The ‘Holy Spirit’ is given to those who repent.

Let us recap. Both Jewish & Samaritan worship practices will be redundant. Location will not be significant. The Father is the object of worship. He will seek true worshippers. (He focuses on us!) They will be identified by 2 things – the spirit & the truth.

Continued In order to receive the spirit we need to submit & obey to the word of Christ as taught in the gospels. When we repent and are baptized (immersed) we are sealed in Christ with the Holy spirit.

I must conclude then; That when the Lord looks down upon us as we worship He must ‘see’ the Holy spirit within us. Only then will our worship be acceptable to Him!

No true knowledge, no submission, no baptism and no spirit - not a true worshipper of the Father! Conversely.