John 4:19 The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet.20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.” 21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” 25 The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” 26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.”
Debates: We have them all the time - not only during political seasons, but in homes, at work, with our friends, and with those not so friendly. The Jews and Samaritans had a history of debates that was never ending, including where and how to worship. One was more correct, to be sure, but that was not the point. The important part is Who. Who are we to worship, and Who are we going to listen to when determining Who, where and how to worship. On this both would agree - both peoples, and both individuals in this discussion: Jesus and the woman at the well. Both knew the Messiah would know. His word would settle the debate. God alone is worthy of our worship, with no distractions or debate, and no comparison or criticism to anyone but Christ. He speaks, He shows Who and how to worship. Come, not at our convenience, but at His calling, on His terms, expecting to be cleansed, challenged and changed by the One who created you. Otherwise, it's not really worship.
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