John 4
Jesus talks with the Samaritan woman and many Samaritans believe through her testimony
Discussion Questions
- In verses 39-42 God used the woman’s testimony to great effect. Are you willing to be used in the same way?
- The man believed in Jesus’ word (v 50). Do you ever have difficulty in believing the words of Jesus?
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Going Deeper from 'Words of Life'
‘God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in spirit and in truth’ (v 24).
In her conversation with Jesus, the Samaritan woman explained the Samaritan way of worshipping God on the mountain, as instructed by Moses years before:
When the Lord your God has brought you into the land you are entering to possess, you are to proclaim on Mount Gerizim the blessings (Deuteronomy 11:29).
All they wanted to do was be obedient; to express their love and thanksgiving to God, and to give him honour and praise for who he was. Jesus responded by saying that worship is not about sacrifices given in certain places, but rather worshipping in spirit and in truth.
We are reminded of some other Old Testament verses:
‘The multitude of your sacrifices – what are they to me?’ says the Lord. ‘They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them’ (Isaiah 1:11,14).
Jesus told the woman that worship must come from the heart.
The Samaritan woman knew of the coming of the Messiah; once he came, he would explain everything to her and her people. The hour had come; and the time was now. Jesus simply said:
‘I who speak to you am he’ (John 4:26).
The renewal for worship began in the presence of Jesus. When we worship him with all our heart and are led by the Spirit, this is true worship. It is to be reflected in our daily life – in all we say and do.
Prayer
All my heart I give to you, Lord, day by day. Help me always to worship you in spirit and in truth.
Beverly Ivany