The Woman at the Well

The Woman at the Well


“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” — John 4:23 (ESV)


In John 4:1-42, Jesus has a transformative encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, where He reveals profound truths about worship and the heart of God. Initially, the woman is focused on the cultural and religious barriers between Jews and Samaritans. She’s surprised when Jesus, a Jew, engages with her, a Samaritan woman (John 4:9). But Jesus redirects the conversation, offering her “living water” and inviting her to look beyond the ritualistic divisions of worship. He tells her that a time is coming when true worshipers will worship the Father “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:21-24). This marks a shift from traditional views of worship, which focused on locations and external rituals, to worship that is rooted in a personal and intimate relationship with God.


Jesus moves the conversation from religion to relationship, showing the woman that true worship is not about where you worship but who you worship and how. When He reveals Himself as the Messiah (John 4:25-26), her life is instantly transformed. No longer bound by tradition or the shame of her past, she leaves her water jar, runs back to her town, and invites others to meet Jesus. Her encounter with Christ changes everything about her perspective on worship. It’s no longer about outward practices; it’s about a heart that encounters God.


This story speaks directly to us today. It challenges us to ask: Are we more concerned with religious practices or with personally knowing God? True worship isn’t defined by where we go or what we do outwardly, but by how we relate to God from the heart. This is what Paul highlights in Philippians 3:3 when he writes, “For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh” — Philippians 3:3 (ESV). True worship, Paul says, isn’t about physical rituals or outward signs of religion. It’s about worshiping by the Spirit, rejoicing in Christ, and finding our identity in Him rather than in human effort or tradition.


When we come before God in worship, it’s not about the location, the style of music, or the rituals we observe. It’s about a personal encounter with the living God. It’s about surrendering to Him in spirit and truth, letting go of traditions or external things that might get in the way of knowing Him more deeply. Worship should be the overflow of a transformed heart, just like the Samaritan woman who, after encountering Jesus, couldn’t help but share the good news with others.


Reflecting on this, we can ask ourselves: Do we approach worship as a personal encounter with God, or as a routine? Are there traditions or rituals that have become distractions, keeping us from truly encountering Him? How can we, like the woman at the well, leave behind whatever is holding us back and step into a deeper relationship with Jesus?


Prayer:

Lord, thank You for showing us that true worship comes from a heart that knows and loves You. Help us to move beyond tradition and external rituals and to worship You in spirit and truth. May our hearts be transformed by our encounter with You, and may our worship be a reflection of the deep relationship we have with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Scripture References:
John 4:23-26, Philippians 3:3