John 4:1-25
This was a fantastic interview because it led this woman to true faith in the Messiah – Jesus Christ. This was a divine appointment according to Bible Historians, Jews would not go through this route for they will do everything to avoid going through Samaria. There was a deep hatred between the Jews and the Samaritans. The Samaritans were a mixed race, partly Jew and partly Gentiles who came out of the Assyrian captivity in 727BC.
True Worship is more of what we do for the glory of God, it surpasses all that we say or every personal philosophy. Jesus being a Jew was found in Samaria speaking to a Samarian woman. Jesus Christ demonstrated here the nature of God and exemplified those things that were pleasing to God – the creator of heavens and the earth. This was a divine appointment because it was destined that He would meet this woman and lead her into saving faith. She in return exposed her whole city to the same saving faith in Christ.
There are several actions listed below if we are to offer true worship to our Lord:
- Set aside traditions and culture – Jesus set traditions, and culture aside because the woman’s eternal salvation and that of her city was at risk – John 4:39-42
- Seek after true salvation – Jesus Christ used the relevant situation to explain salvation to this woman and He connected with many from her city.
- Be open to follow divine revelation – Jesus revealed and helped the woman’s ignorance. He offered three things to the woman – “Who He was”, “What He had to offer” and “How she could receive it” – John 4:13-19, 21-25.
This woman wanted to encounter the truth, and she showed this by her replies to the Messiah – John 4:15. Jesus Christ made it clear through this woman’s spiritual ignorance that she did not know who to worship, where to worship or how to worship! Jesus Christ confirmed that not all religions are acceptable to God for some worshippers’ act in hypocrisy, ignorance and unbelief. Jesus Christ made it clear that True Worship is not limited to a Temple or a Location, it is when a believer worships the Father in spirit (all of his being) and truth (by divine instructions or through Jesus Christ).
Discussion.
- The conversation between Jesus Christ and the woman was defined because it is salvation focused. What are we to do in our relationships to show more consciousness of Jesus Christ?
- John 4:10 – What do you understand “living water” to mean? See John 7:37-39 | Isaiah 44:3 | Joel 2:28
- What do you understand by the statement in John 4:23-24. Compare and contrast with Philippians 3:3
- John 4:6 – Discuss this in view of other religions. Are we all serving the only true God?
Prayer.
