John 4:21

In John 4:21, Jesus delivers a pivotal statement to the Samaritan woman at Jacob's Well, redirecting her understanding of true worship from geographical locations to a spiritual reality. This verse marks a significant transition in the discourse, moving beyond the historical dispute between Jews and Samaritans concerning the proper place of worship.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' profound conversation with the Samaritan woman, initiated in John 4:7. The woman, recognizing Jesus' prophetic insight, raises a theological question central to the Samaritan-Jewish divide: "Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship" (John 4:20). The "mountain" refers to Mount Gerizim, the sacred site for Samaritans, while "Jerusalem" signifies the Jewish Temple. Jesus' response transcends this ancient debate, pointing to a new paradigm of worship.

Key Themes

• The End of Geographical Worship: Jesus declares that the time is coming, indeed is already at hand, when worship will no longer be confined to specific physical locations like Mount Gerizim or Jerusalem. This revolutionary concept challenged deeply held religious traditions and practices of both Jewish and Samaritan faiths.
• Universal Access to God: By removing the geographical barrier, Jesus signifies that God is accessible to all people, everywhere. True worship is not about a sacred place, but about a relationship with the Father that transcends physical boundaries.
• Foreshadowing the New Covenant: This statement anticipates the New Covenant, where the presence of God would dwell not in a building made with hands, but in the hearts of believers through the Holy Spirit. The focus shifts from external rituals and locations to an internal, spiritual connection.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the hour cometh" (Greek: erchetai hē hōra) is significant. It indicates an imminent and decisive moment in salvation history, emphasizing that a major shift in God's interaction with humanity is about to occur through Christ's ministry, death, and resurrection. This "hour" culminates in the establishment of the church and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, making spiritual worship possible for all who believe.

Related Scriptures

This verse lays the groundwork for Jesus' further explanation in John 4:23-24, where He states, "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." This concept of worship aligns with later New Testament teachings on spiritual worship, such as Romans 12:1, which encourages believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, which is their "reasonable service." It also echoes prophecies of a universal worship beyond specific locales, as seen in Malachi 1:11.

Practical Application

For believers today, John 4:21 underscores that true worship is not bound by physical churches, grand cathedrals, or specific pilgrimage sites. While corporate gatherings are vital for fellowship and instruction, the essence of worship is a heartfelt, genuine connection with God the Father, made possible through Jesus Christ. It emphasizes that worship is an internal disposition, a lifestyle of honoring God, rather than merely an external ritual. This means we can worship God at any time, in any place, through prayer, praise, service, and obedience, focusing on the Father's character and His redemptive work.