But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. John 4:23-24
John 3 and 4 are placed back to back to show the contrast between two responses toward Jesus.
Nicodemus was a great teacher of the Law. He recognized that the miracles of Jesus proclaimed Him as One who came from God doing the works of God. Under cover of darkness, Nicodemus approached Jesus to find out more. Jesus plainly declared Himself to Nicodemus and the familiar verse of John 3:16 explained to him why Jesus came.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Nicodemus left without making a decision. In fact, he will reappear at the tomb, but no mention is made of his public profession of belief in Jesus.
In contrast, the Samaritan woman of John 4 had very little knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures, nor of the miracles Jesus was doing. This woman had no invitation to worship at the temple in Jerusalem; she was not even welcome to get water with the women in the cool of the morning.
In John 4, Jesus offers her an invitation to worship God right where she is. Not only does He invite her to worship, but His invitation includes the relationship that allows her to call God, “Father.”
She who recognized her unworthiness for such an invitation found this invitation irresistible, while Nicodemus walked away from it.
Those who already think they are worthy to approach the Father in worship will not find His invitation irresistible, and they will miss the unfathomable joy that comes from true worship.
Jesus has invited us to worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth, though there is nothing worthy or deserving in us. Not only is it our privilege to accept such an honor, it is also our privilege to run with the same enthusiasm the Samaritan woman did to share it with everyone she knew!
Worship: this is my Word for 2025.
I would love to hear what your focus will be for the upcoming year. Please feel free to drop your theme in the comments below!
His Song in the Night 
When you think about what the Bible tells us we’ll be doing in heaven, then I know you have picked a perfect word! I don’t have a word per se, but I am focusing on seeing the miracles in the every day (mainly because of my cancer diagnosis and the graciousness of the Lord through this journey).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Miracles in every day— What a beautiful plan. Both this and worship are on the same level of slowing down and seeing God in every place and circumstance. 2025 cannot help but be a good year if we do that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen!!
LikeLiked by 1 person