A woman asked Jesus where the proper place of worship is. Jesus answered by telling her who the true worshippers are. True worshippers are those who worship the Father in spirit and truth. Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit and makes us spiritually alive. From Jesus, we receive the fullness of grace and truth. Wherever the gathered people of faith in Jesus are, there is the place where God is worshipped.

Jesus offers living water and invites us to ask him for it. The living water metaphor is all through the Bible and prominent in the Gospel of John. From it we understand that Jesus is offering cleansing from sin, spiritual life that begins now and continues on forever, and the very life of God in our souls by the indwelling of his Spirit. What prevents a person from asking Jesus for living water? What moves a person to sincerely ask for living water in faith? Let’s pray that the preventers will be removed, and the motivation will be granted for us and others to ask for and receive this living water that only Jesus can give.

John brought a word of clarity to a dispute over religious rituals and ministry success. The point of all ritual and the purpose of all ministry is the increase of the glory and grace of Jesus. He must increase. Today we ask the Lord for clarity in our minds, faith in our hearts, and focus in our lives, that we may pursue the increase of Jesus in our congregation and city.

The most famous Bible verse in the world reveals the greatest mission ever accomplished on earth. The Son of God became a man to save sinners for eternal life. May hearing the words of grace in this passage draw people to Christ in faith and send our congregation on mission in faithfulness.