Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
John 4:16-26 (NIV)
16 He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” 17 “I have no husband,” she replied. Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.” 19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” 21 “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” 25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”
What are the causes of worship/praise in each situation from today’s texts?
In what ways was praise given in each situation?
In which texts do you find “submissive praise”—praise offered in midst of pain, grief, etc.
What does this say to you about how we worship? What might we add to our worship?
Lord, there is so much about this story that I am thankful for. It demonstrates Your great love for all of humanity. From it, You provide examples of how to love others. You overlooked gender, race, social position, and past sins when You engaged in a conversation with a scorned Samaritan woman. You love imperfect people regardless of their previous life or present lifestyle. You know all about who I am, but You love me anyway. Through the cross, You opened the way for me to have a personal relationship with You. You heal brokenness. Let all broken people be transformed by Your Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who brings unity, breaking down divisions of gender, race, social position and fosters healing. Fill up my life and that of our church with Your Holy Spirit to transform all relationships. Let us grow close in an intimate relationship of love to You as we worship together in unity. We Praise You, precious Lord, for Your great love for us. In Your precious name. Amen