How does John 4:22 highlight the importance of knowing whom we worship? Context at the Well John 4 records Jesus’ purposeful detour through Samaria and His conversation with a Samaritan woman. In the midst of their dialogue about living water and true worship, Jesus states: “You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.” (John 4:22) Why Knowing Matters • Worship is relational. You cannot genuinely honor someone you do not know. • Ignorance invites error. The Samaritans accepted only the Pentateuch, dismissing the prophets that pointed to Messiah. Partial revelation produced partial understanding—and confused worship. • Truth anchors devotion. Jesus ties correct knowledge (“we worship what we do know”) to the unfolding plan of salvation. Worship divorced from God’s self-disclosure slips into sentiment, tradition, or idolatry. Scriptural Echoes • Acts 17:23 – “What you worship as something unknown, I now proclaim to you.” Paul confronts well-meaning but misdirected awe. • Hosea 4:6 – “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Ignorance carries real consequences. • Jeremiah 9:23-24 – Boast not in wisdom, might, or riches, “but let him who boasts boast in this: that he understands and knows Me.” • 1 John 5:20 – “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true.” Salvation Is From the Jews • Covenantal line: God chose Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Judah, setting the stage for Messiah (Genesis 12:3; 49:10). • Prophetic promise: Isaiah, Micah, and others foretold the Christ. Rejecting these writings blurred the Samaritan picture of redemption. • Incarnation reality: Jesus, a Jew, fulfills the Law and Prophets (Matthew 5:17). Right knowledge points to Him. Implications for Us Today 1. Scripture shapes worship. – Study the full counsel of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). – Let doctrine fuel delight; truth and passion are partners, not rivals. 2. Christ is the lens. – All revelation converges on Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-2). – Knowing Him personally transforms mere ritual into living fellowship. 3. Guard against “unknown-God” habits. – Traditions, slogans, or cultural impressions cannot replace revealed truth. – Evaluate songs, prayers, and sermons by the Word (Acts 17:11). 4. Pursue deeper acquaintance. – Meditate on His attributes (Exodus 34:6-7). – Obey what you learn; experiential knowledge cements intellectual grasp (John 14:21). Key Takeaways • Jesus places knowledge at the center of authentic worship—ignorance and genuine adoration cannot coexist. • The fullness of God’s revelation, culminating in Christ, is non-negotiable for salvation and worship. • Believers must continually grow in Scriptural understanding so that our praise flows from clear, confident knowledge of the One we adore. |
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