Disagreements over worship are nothing new. Jesus encountered it several times.
The fourth chapter of John is Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well. Part of that conversation concerns a worship conflict. “Sir,” the woman replied, “I see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place to worship is in Jerusalem.” (John 4:19–20, CSB)
Jesus replied, “Believe me, woman, an hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know. We worship what we do know, because salvation is from the Jews. But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:21–24, CSB)
There are three points in Jesus’ reply. Worship will soon dramatically change. The place will become insignificant. Jesus doesn’t reject the Samaritans’ worship, but does explain that it is incomplete in comparison to Jerusalem. He then explains His initial statement. A time is coming (for us it is already here) when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth.
At its core, Christian worship is a direct connection between our spirits now made alive in Christ and God the Father. And that worship is anchored in truth. God is God, we are his people, we are sinners saved by grace, we are made alive in Him, Jesus is our all in all.
There is a song that expresses this truth by Matt Redman.
When the music fades All is stripped away And I simply come
Longin’ just to bring Something that’s of worth That will bless Your heart
I’ll bring You more than a song For a song in itself Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within Through the ways things appear You’re looking into my heart
I’m comin’ back to the heart of worship And it’s all about You It’s all about You, Jesus
I’m sorry, Lord, for the thing I’ve made it When it’s all about You It’s all about You, Jesus
Just like the Samaritan woman, we can get caught up in the externals of worship. We can lift up the place, the style, the methods, the music (and all that goes into it) over worshiping God in spirit and in truth. God doesn’t give style points; He looks at our hearts. All this changed at the cross.
In the Old Testament, God was very specific about worship. He gave Moses the plans for the tabernacle, altars, and the various implements. He provided instruction on the ceremony and sacrifices. But the heart of worship, the Ark of the Covenant, and the Mercy Seat were separated from the people. Only once per year could the high priest come before the Ark in worship. At Christ’s last breath, it all changed. “But Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and gave up his spirit. Suddenly, the curtain of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom, the earth quaked, and the rocks were split.” (Matthew 27:50–51, CSB) Worship went from structured to intensely personal in that split second.
Is our worship born of the Spirit and anchored in truth? When the music fades, that’s what really matters. Styles, tunes, and language all change over time. But the unchangeable heart of worship is worshiping God in spirit and in truth.
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- Essential Worship – Sprirt and Truth - February 25, 2026
