John 4:21
Verse
Context
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
20Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place where one must worship is in Jerusalem.”21“Believe Me, woman,” Jesus replied, “a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.22You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The hour cometh, etc. - The time was now at hand in which the spiritual worship of God was about to be established in the earth, and all the Jewish rites and ceremonies entirely abolished. Worship the Father - This epithet shows the mild, benignant, and tender nature of the Gospel dispensation. Men are called to worship their heavenly Father, and to consider themselves as his children. In reference to this, our Lord's prayer begins, Our Father, who art in heaven, etc. See Joh 4:23.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Woman, &c.--Here are three weighty pieces of information: (1) The point raised will very soon cease to be of any moment, for a total change of dispensation is about to come over the Church. (2) The Samaritans are wrong, not only as to the place, but the whole grounds and nature of their worship, while in all these respects the truth lies with the Jews. (3) As God is a Spirit, so He both invites and demands a spiritual worship, and already all is in preparation for a spiritual economy, more in harmony with the true nature of acceptable service than the ceremonial worship by consecrated persons, place, and times, which God for a time has seen meet to keep up till fulness of the time should come. neither in this mountain nor yet at Jerusalem--that is, exclusively (Mal 1:11; Ti1 2:8). worship the Father--She had talked simply of "worship"; our Lord brings up before her the great OBJECT of all acceptable worship--"THE FATHER."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Jesus saith unto her, woman, believe me,.... In what I am now going to say, since you own me to be a prophet: the hour cometh; the time is at hand; it is very near; it is just coming: when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father; that is, God, whom the Jews, and so the Samaritans, knew under the character of the Father of all men, as the Creator and preserver of them; for not God as the Father of Christ, or of the saints by adopting grace, is here intended, which this ignorant woman at least had no knowledge of: and the reason of our Lord's speaking after this manner, signifying, that she need not trouble herself about the place of worship, was, partly, because in a little time Jerusalem, and the temple in it, would be destroyed, and not one stone left upon another; and that Samaria, and this mountain of Gerizim, with whatsoever edifice might be upon it, would be laid desolate, so that neither of them would continue long to be places of religious worship; and partly, because all distinction of places in religion would entirely cease; and one place would be as lawful, and as proper to worship in, as another; and men should lift up holy hands, and pray, and offer up spiritual sacrifices in every place, even from the rising of the sun, to the going down of the same, Mal 1:11.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:21-22 Jesus affirmed that the Jews had preserved the right understanding of the one you worship. • salvation comes through the Jews: God gave the Jews a special relationship with him, and the Messiah was to be a Jew (see also Rom 9:4-5).
John 4:21
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
20Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place where one must worship is in Jerusalem.”21“Believe Me, woman,” Jesus replied, “a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.22You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Create in Me a New Heart
By Joe Focht1.2K32:19JHN 4:21In this sermon, the speaker highlights the contradiction in society's approach to entertainment and morality. He points out that while there are restrictions on discussing God, sin, and righteousness, the flesh is being indulged with violent video games and other questionable content. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of the heart in our relationship with God, stating that a consecrated heart is more powerful than intellect. He mentions a study connecting violent video games with physical aggression and urges parents to be aware of the impact on teenagers whose impulse control center is still developing. The speaker also raises concerns about the moral decline in society, questioning the normalization of inappropriate behavior and the disregard for God's principles.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
(Where Is the Church Going) 4. the Gospel and the Heart of Man
By Miki Hardy6621:14:42GospelMAT 6:33JHN 4:21ACT 2:36ROM 2:29HEB 8:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the Gospel touching the hearts of believers. He recounts the story of Peter preaching to a large crowd, where many were deeply moved and asked what they should do. Peter responds by urging them to repent, be baptized, and serve the Lord with all their hearts. The preacher emphasizes that understanding the Gospel intellectually is not enough; one must be convinced in their heart. He warns against being deceived by philosophical explanations of the Bible and encourages believers to allow God to write His truth on the tables of their hearts.
God's Omnipotence - Part 2
By Richard Owen Roberts36019:26Character Of GodJHN 4:21In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the omnipresence of God, stating that God is always with us, even in the valley of the shadow. He highlights that this constant presence should be seen as a threat, as God will be there to judge us when the time comes. The preacher urges the listeners to live holy lives, knowing that God is always watching. He also encourages them to rely on God's power and presence to overcome temptation and become victorious Christians.
Prophecy Spiritually Understood - Pt 4 "Ezekiel and His Brethren"
By Charles Alexander0EZK 37:1MAT 13:10JHN 4:21JHN 10:27ROM 11:262CO 3:3GAL 6:16HEB 7:25HEB 12:22Charles Alexander preaches about the impoverishment the Church has suffered through literalizing theories in the treatment of Ezekiel's prophecies, emphasizing the need to understand the spiritual treasures and wonders of the prophets rather than reducing prophecy to dry bones. He highlights the importance of recognizing the spiritual significance and fulfillment of Ezekiel's visions in Christ, revealing the eternal truths and mysteries hidden within the prophecies. Charles challenges the incompetence of evangelical pulpit exposition and encourages a deeper, spiritual understanding of Ezekiel's prophecies, pointing to the spiritual restoration and fulfillment in the Church of Jew and gentile as the true Israel of God.
Of the Object of Worship.
By John Gill0IdolatryWorshipMAT 4:10JHN 4:21John Gill emphasizes that the object of worship is the Lord God, who is to be worshipped both in His essence and in His three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He argues that worship should be directed solely to God, excluding all idols and creatures, as God alone possesses the divine attributes worthy of reverence. Gill highlights the importance of understanding God's nature and perfections as foundational to true worship, and he stresses that worship must be both internal and external. He also points out that the worship of any other being, including angels and saints, is idolatry and contrary to the command of God. Ultimately, Gill calls believers to worship God in spirit and truth, recognizing Him as the only true object of worship.
God Seeking Worshippers
By Horatius Bonar0God's Desire for RelationshipWorshipJHN 4:21Horatius Bonar emphasizes that God has always sought worshippers rather than mere temples, highlighting His desire for love, obedience, service, and true worship from humanity. He explains that God values the inner worship of the heart over external rituals and that worship should be a constant, heartfelt expression rather than confined to specific places or times. Bonar illustrates God's earnestness in seeking worshippers, comparing it to a shepherd searching for a lost sheep, and stresses that God desires the worship of every individual, regardless of their past. He reassures that through the blood of Christ and the Holy Spirit, sinners can approach God and fulfill their calling to worship. Ultimately, Bonar calls on all to recognize their obligation to worship God, as it is a matter of deep significance to Him.
God's Center of Worship
By William MacDonald0WorshipPresence of GodJHN 4:21JHN 4:23William MacDonald emphasizes that true worship is no longer confined to specific locations like Gerizim or Jerusalem, as Jesus revealed to the Samaritan woman. Instead, worship is centered around the person of Jesus Christ, who is the divine magnet drawing His people together. The physical place of worship is irrelevant; what matters is the spiritual connection we have with God through Christ, where we can worship in spirit and truth. MacDonald highlights the privilege of gathering in Jesus' name, where He is present among His people, taking their prayers and praises to the Father. This new order of worship allows believers to enter into the heavenly sanctuary, experiencing communion with God and the saints, regardless of their earthly location.
Its Nature
By T. Austin-Sparks0True WorshipTransition of DispensationsJHN 4:21T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the transformative nature of worship as articulated by Jesus in John 4:21-23, highlighting a significant shift from traditional forms of worship to a new order defined by 'spirit and truth.' He argues that this transition challenges the existing structures of Christendom, as it calls for a deeper understanding of worship that transcends physical locations and man-made representations. Sparks points out that Jesus embodies truth and serves as the true Temple, contrasting with the outdated systems of worship that were merely types and figures. He warns of a current shaking within Christianity, urging believers to discern what is truly of the Spirit versus what is merely tradition. Ultimately, he asserts that true worship is not confined to a place but is a spiritual reality governed by the Holy Spirit.
"According to Christ" - Part 4
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Nature of the ChurchTransition from Old to New CovenantDAN 7:14MAT 5:17JHN 4:21ACT 7:56HEB 8:13HEB 10:1T. Austin-Sparks concludes his series on the Church by emphasizing the pivotal role of Stephen in the New Testament, highlighting how his martyrdom marked a significant turning point for Christianity. Stephen's vision of Jesus at the right hand of God signifies the shift from a Judaistic system to a universal, spiritual Church, emphasizing that the old order centered around the Temple is now obsolete. This moment not only serves as a shock to the early Church but also foreshadows the scattering of believers and the rise of a new, heavenly order. Sparks draws parallels between Stephen's insights and the Letter to the Hebrews, urging contemporary Christians to recognize the profound implications of this transition. He calls for a deeper understanding of the Church's identity and mission in light of these revelations.
The New Testament: The Great Transition
By T. Austin-Sparks0GEN 5:2JHN 4:21JHN 15:1ACT 1:81CO 15:451CO 15:50COL 3:9HEB 2:5HEB 8:5T. Austin-Sparks preaches about the transition from the old humanity to the new humanity in Christ, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive view of God's plan for humanity. He highlights the importance of recognizing the immense significance of Christ in God's universe and the necessity of a new captivation of Christ to experience true spiritual growth. The sermon delves into the concept of humanity as God's end, focusing on the transition from Adam to Christ, one nation to another, and one economy to another, as depicted in the Bible. T. Austin-Sparks urges listeners to embrace the full knowledge of Christ and allow Him to strip away earthly attachments to fill their lives with His presence.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The hour cometh, etc. - The time was now at hand in which the spiritual worship of God was about to be established in the earth, and all the Jewish rites and ceremonies entirely abolished. Worship the Father - This epithet shows the mild, benignant, and tender nature of the Gospel dispensation. Men are called to worship their heavenly Father, and to consider themselves as his children. In reference to this, our Lord's prayer begins, Our Father, who art in heaven, etc. See Joh 4:23.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Woman, &c.--Here are three weighty pieces of information: (1) The point raised will very soon cease to be of any moment, for a total change of dispensation is about to come over the Church. (2) The Samaritans are wrong, not only as to the place, but the whole grounds and nature of their worship, while in all these respects the truth lies with the Jews. (3) As God is a Spirit, so He both invites and demands a spiritual worship, and already all is in preparation for a spiritual economy, more in harmony with the true nature of acceptable service than the ceremonial worship by consecrated persons, place, and times, which God for a time has seen meet to keep up till fulness of the time should come. neither in this mountain nor yet at Jerusalem--that is, exclusively (Mal 1:11; Ti1 2:8). worship the Father--She had talked simply of "worship"; our Lord brings up before her the great OBJECT of all acceptable worship--"THE FATHER."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Jesus saith unto her, woman, believe me,.... In what I am now going to say, since you own me to be a prophet: the hour cometh; the time is at hand; it is very near; it is just coming: when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father; that is, God, whom the Jews, and so the Samaritans, knew under the character of the Father of all men, as the Creator and preserver of them; for not God as the Father of Christ, or of the saints by adopting grace, is here intended, which this ignorant woman at least had no knowledge of: and the reason of our Lord's speaking after this manner, signifying, that she need not trouble herself about the place of worship, was, partly, because in a little time Jerusalem, and the temple in it, would be destroyed, and not one stone left upon another; and that Samaria, and this mountain of Gerizim, with whatsoever edifice might be upon it, would be laid desolate, so that neither of them would continue long to be places of religious worship; and partly, because all distinction of places in religion would entirely cease; and one place would be as lawful, and as proper to worship in, as another; and men should lift up holy hands, and pray, and offer up spiritual sacrifices in every place, even from the rising of the sun, to the going down of the same, Mal 1:11.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:21-22 Jesus affirmed that the Jews had preserved the right understanding of the one you worship. • salvation comes through the Jews: God gave the Jews a special relationship with him, and the Messiah was to be a Jew (see also Rom 9:4-5).