Spirit and Truth: Samaritan/Jewish Worship Contrast
In this section I had always had a hard time figuring out how the context of Jesus' words fit with his direction for worshipping in spirit and in truth. Just today it dawned on me how simple it is. Prior to the Holy Spirit's release to us, and prior to Jesus' death, the Samaritans worshipped in spirit but spirit only, whereas the Jews worshipped in truth and truth alone. The Jews had the religious base for controlling and administering truth and as such was how they worshipped. The Samaritans, however, did not have the same religious foundation but worshipped from a place of heart, in spirit.
Jesus again raises the bar (as He does with so many things) by telling the Samaritan woman, "Look, right now, one or the other might be cutting it in combination with sacrifice, but it won't soon. After I die and the Holy Spirit is released, you will need to worship in spirit AND in truth." He takes the contrasting strength of Jews and Samaritans and ties them together. It challenges them to stretch and grow and at the same time unites them. It's beautiful the way Jesus is always tying us all together. Showing us time and time again that we must work as a BODY of followers; that he has but one bride, the church, and not the Samaritan Church and the Jewish Church (or the Lutheran Church and the Evangelical Church, etc...)
Thank you Holy Spirit for your leadership and guidance in my devotions today. Amen.
Created almost 2 years ago
