The Heart of Worship: A Conversation with Jesus
Imagine a sweltering day in the Middle East, where Jesus sits down at a well to wait for a woman from Samaria. He’s thirsty, but his request for a drink sparks a conversation that crosses cultural and moral boundaries.
Breaking Down Barriers
The woman is taken aback by Jesus’ request. “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” she asks. Jesus doesn’t answer her question directly. Instead, he offers her a drink of living water, revealing that he knows more about her than she realizes.
Worship in Spirit and Truth
As the conversation unfolds, the woman asks Jesus about worship. “Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.” Jesus responds, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.” He explains that true worshipers will worship in spirit and truth, seeking a connection with God that goes beyond earthly geography.
Seeking True Worshipers
Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman reveals that God is seeking true worshipers among all people. But what does it mean to be a true worshiper? Jesus doesn’t mention music or rituals. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of worshiping in spirit and truth, with a sincere heart and a deep understanding of God’s word.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
New Testament scholar D.A. Carson notes that worshiping in truth means worshiping through Christ, who brings reality and sweeps away shadows. Jesus gives the life-giving Spirit, who produces rivers of living water in a believer’s soul. It’s the Spirit who enables us to know, love, and worship God the Father through Jesus Christ.
Becoming True Worshipers
The story of the Samaritan woman is a reminder that we begin to worship God by acknowledging our inability to worship him unless he draws us by his grace and reveals himself to us through his word. As we seek to become true worshipers, we must cultivate habits of grace, such as prayer, Bible study, and community, to deepen our connection with God.
Cultivating Habits of Grace
Start your journey to becoming a true worshiper by cultivating habits of grace. Explore our 5-day devotional on 3 life-giving habits that can act as channels of God’s grace in your life.
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