Lessons From John 4

In the heat of the day, at a well in Samaria, an encounter took place that would redefine worship for generations to come. Jesus, weary from His journey, met a woman burdened by her past and ostracised by her community. The Samaritan woman chose the noon hour to come fetch water from the public well—suggesting she wished to minimise social contact and avoid prying questions. The woman, marked by sin and shame, became the recipient of divine compassion. Jesus, in His infinite wisdom and love, sought her out, unveiling her need for living water and her sinful past. Through this transformative conversation, Jesus not only saved a lost soul but also revealed profound truths about authentic worship. Let’s explore the lessons we can derive from John 4 about what constitutes true worship.

True Worship That God Delights In is about faith, not place (John 4:20) The Samaritan woman raises a common point of contention: which is the best place of worship? “Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” Jesus’ response shifts the focus from physical locations to the heart of worship. With the new covenant Christ ushers in, place of worship becomes unimportant. True worship is no longer confined to a specific place, building, or tradition. Instead, the worship that pleases God is about a relationship with Him, rooted in belief.

True worship is God-centred not self-centred (John 4:21-23) Jesus underscores in verses 21 and 23 that worship that pleases God is directed God-ward. He declares, “A time is coming and has now come when true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” True worship centres on God, not on ourselves. We don’t determine how we worship, rather, He tells us how to. It’s an act of adoration and reverence directed towards God’s majesty and sovereignty. It’s about shifting our focus from our desires, needs, and personal preferences—to honouring and glorifying God.

True Worship That God Delights In is about knowledge over tradition (John 4:20-22) In verses 20-22, Jesus highlights the importance of knowing whom we worship. “You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.” True worship is grounded in the knowledge of God as revealed in Scripture. It’s not about rituals performed out of superstition, personal preference, or ignorance but about an informed and intimate relationship with God. Knowledge of God’s character, His works, and His will is foundational to worship that pleases Him.

True worship is about inward devotion over outward rituals (John 4:24) Jesus’ declaration in verse 24 is profound: true worship is an inward act that emanates from the heart. It’s not about external rituals or outward appearances but about a sincere, internal connection with God. Worshiping in Spirit means engaging with God on a spiritual level, driven by a genuine love and appreciation for His grace. It’s an authentic response to God’s salvation, where the worshiper’s heart and mind are fully engaged and connected to God’s truth.

True Worship That God Delights In is about truth over falsehood (John 4:24) Continuing from verse 24, Jesus emphasizes worship must be “in truth.” This means our worship should be aligned with the truth of God’s Word. It’s about honesty in our relationship with God, coming before Him with a true heart, acknowledging our sins, and embracing His grace. True worship rejects falsehood and pretence, focusing on the genuine and the real as defined by Scripture.

True worship is commanded, not optional (John 4:25-26) Finally, in verses 25-26, the Samaritan woman speaks of the Messiah who will explain everything. Jesus reveals to her, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.” True worship is not optional or based on personal preference; it is a command from the great “I AM”—God. Jesus calls us to worship in the way that pleases Him and the Father. It’s a divine directive we are to follow, and not a matter of individual choice or convenience.

True Worship That God Delights In Ignites Evangelistic Fervour (John 4:28-30; 42): The transformation of the Samaritan woman illustrates a crucial aspect of true worship: it naturally overflows into evangelism. In verses 28-30, we witness an immediate change in her priorities. Leaving behind her water jar—a symbol of her former life—she hurries back to her community, eager to share her encounter with Jesus. Her excitement is palpable in her words: “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” True worship that follows personal transformation compels us to invite others into the same transformative relationship with God. The impact of her testimony is evident in verse 42, where the townspeople declare, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Saviour of the world.” True worship, therefore, creates a ripple effect of faith, drawing others to experience the living God for themselves. It shifts our focus from self-centred religiosity to a genuine concern for the spiritual welfare of others, mirroring God’s heart for the lost.

Conclusion: John 4 provides a transformative perspective on what constitutes true worship. It’s about believing and obeying God, focusing on Him rather than ourselves, grounding our worship in knowledge, engaging inwardly rather than merely outwardly, adhering to the truth, and recognising worship as a divine command. As we embrace these lessons, our worship becomes a genuine, heartfelt response to God’s infinite worth and grace, transcending mere rituals and touching the very heart of our Creator.

 

True Worship That God Delights In—Related FAQs

What does it mean to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24)? Jesus tells us the worship that God desires from His people involves both spirit and truth. To worship in Spirit is to allow the Holy Spirit to guide and empower our worship. Only those truly born-again, who have the fellowship of the indwelling, abiding Holy Spirit can worship thus. It’s about moving beyond mere external rituals or emotional experiences to a sincere, heart-felt connection with God. This spiritual worship involves our entire being—our emotions, will, and intellect—fully surrendered to God’s presence and purposes. Worshiping in truth means aligning our worship with the reality of who God is, as revealed in His Word. It requires an accurate understanding of God’s nature, His works, and His will, rejecting false notions or misconceptions about Him. Truth in worship also implies authenticity and integrity in our approach to God, coming before Him with honesty about our sins and shortcomings, while embracing His grace and forgiveness. Ultimately, worshiping in Spirit and truth is a harmonious blend of passionate devotion and sound doctrine, where our deepest affections are stirred by and grounded in the truths of Scripture, resulting in a worship that truly glorifies God and transforms the worshiper.

What may we learn about worship from Romans 12:1? The apostle Paul exhorts us true worship involves presenting our whole selves as a “living sacrifice” to God. This means being sensitive to and obediently cooperating with the Holy Spirit’s ongoing work of sanctification, allowing Him to recreate us daily in the likeness of Christ. It requires resisting temptation with His empowering grace, and even mortifying the flesh in the face of lust—all flowing from a heart of love for our Saviour. Offering our bodies as a holy and acceptable sacrifice is the kind of “spiritual worship” that God delights in the most. We’re called to lay down our own agendas to glorify Him with our lives. Presenting ourselves as “living sacrifices” also implies a willingness to surrender our own agendas, desires, and comforts daily—all for the sake of honouring God.

What may we learn about worship from Abraham in Genesis 22:5? Worship that stems from an obedient heart, as Abraham’s does, is also one that God values and delights in. Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac exemplifies profound, even radical obedience and total surrender. Abraham teaches us true worship involves putting God above our most cherished possessions and relationships. Without obedience and surrender, our worship falls short, regardless of how impressive it might appear to others.

What may we learn about worship from Job in Job 1:20? Job endured the devastating loss of his wealth, family, and health, yet in the midst of suffering, he chooses to respond with worship. Rather than cursing God, Job fell to the ground, declaring, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” This posture of humility and trust in God’s sovereignty, even amidst profound pain, exemplifies the type of worship that honours and pleases God.

Job’s worship goes even deeper—it is rooted in the blessed hope of the glorious resurrection (Job 19:25-27). This quiet trust in God in the face of personal tragedy and devastating circumstances is a rare and precious gift, one that only the God of the Bible offers. It is a testimony to His sovereignty, His love, and His ultimate triumph over sin and death. When we, like Job, worship the Lord with trust, we bring Him the kind of devotion that delights His heart. This faith—this ability to bless the name of the Lord even while grieving—reflects the transformative power of a relationship with the living God.

What may we learn about worship from the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:24-25? The Canaanite woman’s encounter with Jesus provides a striking example of worship, unwavering faith and humble reverence. Though Jesus’ initial response may seem like a rebuff, it was in fact His way of calling out the woman’s faith—one that could put many Jewish women to shame. For Jesus was intent on healing her daughter all along, and the woman’s persistent trust in His power and compassion ultimately paid off. Her humble posture, addressing Jesus as “Lord” and “Son of David,” showcases the kind of wholehearted devotion that God delights in. Sure, we may worship God when He does answer prayer. But consider this: would we honour God with our worship even when He answers our prayers with a “no” or “wait”? It is in those moments that our worship pleases the heart of God most—as we cling to Him with tenacity and reverence as does the Canaanite woman.

What may we learn about worship from the Magi in Matthew 2:2? The Magi, or Wise Men, who travelled from the East to worship the newborn King exemplify the spirit of worship that seeks after Christ and surrenders all in His presence. Trudging long distances through desert country, a journey of 800-900 miles that could have taken them several months, these men put their lives, their careers and family demands on hold to come and offer worship to the Saviour. The long and perilous trek, guided only by the star, reflects a tireless pursuit of the Christ child. And when they finally encounter the young King, they fall down in worship, offering their most precious and expensive gifts as an act of adoration and submission. May we be challenged to ask ourselves: does our worship cost us anything? The kind of worship and service that God delights in is one that requires sacrifice, where we are willing to lay down our comforts and convenience to honour Him wholeheartedly—as the Magi demonstrate through their journey and their generous gifts.

What may we learn about worship from the 24 elders in Revelation 4:10-11? The 24 elders around God’s throne provide a glimpse of the worship that takes place in the heavenly realm. These representatives of the people of God fall down before the Lord, casting their crowns—a symbolic gesture proclaiming they do not deserve the crowns, for all their earthly accomplishments were purely on account of God’s sovereign decree and purpose. They cannot take any credit for themselves. This act of humility and surrender reflects the worship that will be our own testimony when we stand in God’s presence. The elders then celebrate God’s absolute holiness, sovereignty, and creative power, offering Him the honour and reverence He alone deserves. They also recognise God as the true source of all things, the One who is worthy of ultimate praise and glory.

This glimpse into heavenly worship challenges us to adopt a similar posture—one marked by humility, reverence, and an unwavering acknowledgment of God’s supreme worthiness. As the 24 elders demonstrate, genuine worship flows from a heart that acknowledges its own wretchedness and unworthiness, and finds its greatest joy in exalting the majesty and sovereignty of the Almighty.

True Worship That God Delights In—Related Reads:

• The Nature of God in Christian Doctrine: Attributes of Perfection
• Who Says God is Hidden or Distant? He is Just a Prayer Away