Worship in Spirit and Truth: John 4:23-24
Introduction
In the Gospel of John, the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-26) unfolds within the context of deep-seated animosity and cultural divides. For centuries, Jews and Samaritans harbored mutual disdain rooted in historical, religious, and social conflicts. The Jews viewed the Samaritans as religiously impure, descendants of Israelites who had intermarried with foreign nations and adopted various pagan practices, such as worshiping idols (2 Kings 17:24-41). The enmity was further fueled by disputes over sacred sites—Jews worshiped in Jerusalem, while Samaritans held that Mount Gerizim was the true place of worship (John 4:20). Would Jesus’ message get through the static?
When Jesus declares that “the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth,” he introduces a radical redefinition of what it means to connect with God. The term “true worshipers” emphasizes an authenticity that transcends cultural and religious boundaries. One can be a Samaritan or Jewish and be a true worshipper!
A true worshipper is not chained to ritualism but genuinely seeks to honor God from the depth of their being. Worshipping “in the Spirit” points to the activity of the Spirit, which Jesus had previously mentioned to Nicodemus. The Spirit moves in the person, igniting praise and adoration. Jesus is suggesting that our worship should arise from a transformed heart touched by grace, one that reflects an intimate relationship rather than a mere obligation (Romans 12:1).
Conversely, to worship “in truth” highlights the importance of God’s character and revelation forming our worship life. This invites us to come before God not just with emotions or traditions, but with an understanding grounded in his Word (Psalm 86:11). This dual emphasis teaches us that worship is holistic. It engages our inner lives and our outer expression of faith.
Moreover, when Jesus states that “God is spirit,” he underscores the transcendent nature of God, reminding us that the Holy One cannot be confined to physical spaces or limited by human conceptions of worship. This truth is crucial for the Samaritan woman, who grapples with her own understanding of God and worship.
Jesus breaks through the barriers of her cultural context and religious worldview by revealing this aspect of divine nature. This is a new way to engage with God that is unbound by geography, prejudice, and tradition.
Verse 23: The Coming of True Worshipers
Jesus introduces the idea that a new era of worship is upon us. The phrase “a time is coming and has now come” indicates that the fulfillment of prophetic expectation is not a distant future but a present reality. Jesus reveals that true worshipers are not confined to geographical locations, rituals, or specific religious practices. Instead, the essence of worship is about a relationship with God, grounded in authenticity and spiritual integrity, which are worked in the person by the Spirit. The reference to “true worshipers” implies a distinction between those who merely perform religious duties and those who genuinely seek to honor God from the heart (Hendriksen, 2008, p. 253).
Furthermore, the term “worshipers” suggests an ongoing act of worship rather than a singular event. This highlights that worship is an integral part of a believer’s life, permeating their daily actions and attitudes.
Verse 24: God is Spirit
The declaration that “God is spirit” serves as the foundation for understanding worship in a new light. Physical temples, worship spaces, and rituals are fixed and material, God transcends them and cannot be contained within them. Since God is Spirit, worship (or grace) cannot be confined to physical locations — Jerusalem, Gerizim, Poughkeepsie, or your town! God transcends all boundaries. Instead, worship is a matter of the heart and the spirit, not of ritual and place (Köstenberger, 2004, p. 158).
An aside:
As of the publication date of this blog post, over the past 60 days, my website has been visited by 543 individuals from at least 25 countries - including India, Peru, South Africa, Pakistan, England, Canada, Australia, and more. Many of you are returning visitors.
I can’t thank you enough for your support. You show me that God is not confined to time or space, but has an amazing presence and people all around the world.
With appreciation and may God be glorified,
Jason
The phrase “must worship in the Spirit and in truth” encapsulates the essence of Jesus’ teaching. To worship “in Spirit” signifies that our worship must be inspired by the Holy Spirit, who guides believers into a deeper understanding of God and helps them express their devotion authentically. Meanwhile, to worship “in truth” means aligning our worship with the truth of God’s revelation. It invites us to approach God honestly, acknowledging our need for grace and truth in our lives (Morris, 1995, p. 243).
The Significance of Spirit and Truth
The dual emphasis on spirit and truth illustrates that true worship is holistic; it engages both the inner spiritual life and the outer expression of faith. The Spirit empowers believers to worship authentically, while truth grounds that worship in the reality of God’s nature and revelation. This balance is crucial, as worship that lacks either dimension can lead to errors. Worshiping without the Spirit can become mechanical while worshiping without truth can devolve into emotionalism devoid of substance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, John 4:23-24 challenges us to reconsider our approach to worship. Jesus invites us to step beyond the limitations of place and ritual, calling us into a relationship with the Father characterized by authenticity and sincerity. As we engage with God in spirit and truth, we become the kind of worshipers the Father seeks—those who reflect his heart and purpose in the world. This call to worship transcends time, culture, and place, urging believers to live lives marked by a profound awareness of God’s presence and a commitment to worship that honors spirit and truth.
References
Hendriksen, W. (2008). Exposition of the Gospel According to John. Baker Academic.
Köstenberger, A. J. (2004). John. B&H Publishing Group.
Morris, L. (1995). The Gospel According to John. Eerdmans
