Spirit and Truth

Scripture: John 4:20-26 (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)

20 So tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim, where our ancestors worshiped?” 21 Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. 23 But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. 24 For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” 25 The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus told her, “I AM the Messiah!” (John 4:20–26 NLT)

I think it’s interesting how, as soon as the conversation got “spiritual” the woman brought up religion and religious practices! People still do that, you know: “My folks made me go to church, but I quit as soon as I left home.” “I used to go to a Baptist church, but there were so many rules and stuff, I just gave up!” “Why do the Catholics have to go to confession?”

Jesus was telling her (and us), “It’s a new day. God isn’t primarily concerned with where you go to church, or what denomination you’re in, or whether you know all the correct terminology and religious practices and rituals. God is looking for a relationship with you, and for worship that comes from your heart, no matter where you are or how you express that worship!” (Now friends, think about that and see if it’s really true. What do you think?)

Old Way Religious Worship: Requires a specific place and practice. Relationship with God is optional. New Way Worship in Spirit and Truth: Can take place anywhere and comes from the heart. Not possible without relationship with God!

Because Jesus became the “Temple”, true worship shifted from a place to a person and from ritual practice to expression of the heart. Here are some elements that will be present: adoration, gratitude, reverence, humility, love. But if we’re worshiping in Spirit and Truth, your worship and my worship won’t be just the same.

Prayer:

Father, Jesus said that it’s time to worship you in spirit and truth. Please fill us with gratitude and awe and teach us how to express our worship from our hearts! Amen!