John 4:21

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John 4:21 KJV

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

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John 4:21 Bible Commentary

Bible Commentary on John 4:21

Verse Text

John 4:21: “Jesus said unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.”

Introduction

This verse occurs during the profound conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. It encapsulates Christ's revelation of a new paradigm for worship that transcends geographical and traditional boundaries. In this discourse, significant theological principles are unveiled, rich in their implications for understanding worship, divinity, and humanity.

Exegesis and Theological Insights

Contextual Background

Matthew Henry notes that Jesus, being a Jew, was breaking cultural and religious barriers by conversing with a Samaritan woman. This encounter underscores the radical inclusivity of His message and ministry. The dialogue shifts from physical and cultural realities to spiritual truths, marking a shift from literal locations of worship to the heart and spirit of the believer.

The Hour Cometh

Jesus' phrase "the hour cometh" refers to a future time in God’s divine plan where true worship will be defined not by earthly temples or locales but by a relationship with God. Albert Barnes emphasizes that this signifies the coming of the New Covenant, where worship will be elevated to a spiritual plane, a concept further elaborated by Adam Clarke, who suggests that this hour pertains particularly to the work of redemption accomplished through Christ.

Worship in Spirit and Truth

When Jesus speaks of worshiping the Father, He prepares the listener for a deep, spiritual essence that will replace ritualistic patterns. According to Henry, this radical shift required an understanding that God desires genuine worshippers who engage with Him authentically and sincerely. Clarke elaborates by explaining that worship in “spirit” refers to the inner life of the heart and soul, while “truth” pertains to understanding the nature of God as revealed through Christ.

Neither in this Mountain, Nor yet at Jerusalem

The reference to the mountain symbolizes the Samaritan worship centered at Mount Gerizim, while Jerusalem represents Jewish worship. Barnes points out this highlights the shortcomings of both approaches, thereby communicating that true worship transcends both locations. Henry adds that the essence of worship involves the attitude of the heart, not the place of worship, reinforcing the notion that God seeks those who worship Him beyond mere tradition.

Implications for Worship Today

This radical teaching challenges contemporary notions of worship that may still be tied to physical locations or traditional forms. Clarke stresses that ministries today must focus on developing the inner spiritual life of believers, aligning their worship practices with the greater revelation of Christ. The implications reach into the heart of Christian ethics, liturgy, and community as they seek to engage with God on a deeper, more authentic level.

Relationships and Community

Jesus’ dialogue with the Samaritan woman is also an invitation for community engagement. Henry highlights that where genuine worship exists, it breeds unity among believers, transcending cultural and racial divides. It presents a model of community marked by inclusivity, love, and mutual edification, embodying the body of Christ as one that is diverse yet unified.

Conclusion

The profound significance of John 4:21 lies in its transformative nature regarding how God is worshipped. In a world where divisions often define religious practice, Christ’s teaching strips away the limitations of human tradition, inviting all to worship in spirit and truth. For pastors, students, theologians, and scholars, this verse serves as a foundational principle for understanding the nature of worship in the New Covenant and calls for introspection regarding our personal and corporate worship practices.

Key Takeaways

  • Worship is not about place: Jesus dismantles the geographical focus of worship, emphasizing spiritual authenticity.
  • True worshippers: God seeks those who worship Him sincerely, aligning with His truth.
  • Inclusive Message: Jesus' approach breaks barriers and invites all into relationship with God.
  • Transformative Community: Genuine worship creates a unified body of believers empowered for communal growth and mission.

John 4 (KJV) Verse Selection

John 4:1 John 4:2 John 4:3 John 4:4 John 4:5 John 4:6 John 4:7 John 4:8 John 4:9 John 4:10 John 4:11 John 4:12 John 4:13 John 4:14 John 4:15 John 4:16 John 4:17 John 4:18 John 4:19 John 4:20 John 4:21 John 4:22 John 4:23 John 4:24 John 4:25 John 4:26 John 4:27 John 4:28 John 4:29 John 4:30 John 4:31 John 4:32 John 4:33 John 4:34 John 4:35 John 4:36 John 4:37 John 4:38 John 4:39 John 4:40 John 4:41 John 4:42 John 4:43 John 4:44 John 4:45 John 4:46 John 4:47 John 4:48 John 4:49 John 4:50 John 4:51 John 4:52 John 4:53 John 4:54

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