In Spirit and Truth

This is the English-translated outline of the Sermon preached by Rev. Musubi Tabuchi to the congregations of Ashiya Christian Church and Unfinished Community on Sunday, March 8, 2026, drawing from John 4:5-42

The Gospel of John differs significantly from the other three Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—in how it approaches the story of Jesus. When events surrounding Jesus occur, John explores their meaning in many different ways, writing in a way that helps us better understand that deeper meaning. In today's Scripture passage, we are given what was a seemingly minor event: a woman offering Jesus water at the well in Sychar. Yet this is expanded into something that not only made her contemplate the meaning of her own life, but also the significance of the entire region of Samaria, the meaning of our weekly worship of God and, broadly speaking, what church itself is all about.

Samaria was a place Jews considered unworthy of approach, and Samaritans were seen as objects of discrimination. Jesus spoke with this one woman, revealing to her that true worship occurs not in Jerusalem, the Jewish holy city, nor in Samaria itself. Where then is this place where true worship occurs? Jesus teaches that it is not about any particular place holding special importance, but rather that true worship is worship done “in spirit and in truth” no matter where it takes place—even in a place like Samaria, despised as it was by the Jews. This means that our church operates in the same way. It is not about grand cathedrals or luxurious buildings. When we gather there with sincere hearts, that is what matters most.

Our sincerity comes when we, just as that Samaritan woman confronted herself, show our true selves before God. When we look upon our weakness, what Christianity calls our sinfulness, we walk with Jesus. It is in believing that through this, God's mercy, love, forgiveness, and guidance are given to us, and in deeply accepting that Jesus is our Savior, that true worship of God is performed. We call worship “service” in English. While it may seem like we are serving God, what is more important is recognizing that Jesus is serving us, those who are weak and sinful (Mark 10:45).

Let us pray: God, may our worship be filled with spirit and truth. May You receive our earnest seeking and prayers for Your love, mercy, and comfort with greater sincerity and earnestness. You taught us to pray, “Your will be done.” May our daily lives become times and places where Your will is done above all else.

In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.