Monday, July 4, 2011

Which Church?

The Samaritan woman is shocked that Jesus knows her entire life. Instantly she recognizes that he is not an ordinary man. “I perceive that you are a prophet” (John 4:19). She has forgotten all about his asking for water or his claim to provide water that satisfies thirst forever.

She knows he is a Jew, which means he worships in a certain way in a certain place. She is suddenly confronted with a choice between her cultural teaching and the ones of the Jews. So she asks the only question she can think of.

“Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship” (John 4:20).

Jesus is not finished surprising her. “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship he Father… The hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship he Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship him” (John 4:21-23)

How are we worshiping the Father?