John 4:23-24
What is written? (ESV)
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. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.
What does it say?
The hour is coming and is now here, when true worshipers will worship in “spirit and truth.” God seeks these worshipers and it is how they “must” worship Him since He is spirit.
What is its immediate context?
Jesus is speaking to the woman at the well in Samaria at the very beginning of His public ministry. It’s a time when Jews considered Jerusalem the center of worship (still under the Mosaic covenant). Conversely, the Samaritans had developed their own center of worship – an offshoot of the traditions passed down from their Jewish heritage. Worship location is very much the context in which Jesus is speaking. Immediately preceding he says, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.” (vs 21)
How John 4:23-24 is applied across Bible answers
Does it matter where we worship God?
Jesus' statement is very close to several aspects of this question. Based on the context, the implication is that "spirit and truth" worship relates to (indeed, contrasts with) geographic "religious centers" of the day.
The broader context of scripture suggests "spirit" is God's Spirit (Holy Spirit).
What does worship to God look like?
Worship that is "true" would be done in spirit and in truth.
What is the purpose of worship?
Worship is to and for God the Father.
