Spirit and Truth
Are we serious?
But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him (John 4:23 NKJV).
Contrast Peter’s understanding of worship, and what Jesus introduced to the disciples above. At Jesus’ transfiguration Peter wanted to build three tabernacles, but his zeal was not what God required.
While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matthew 17:5 NKJV.)
God interrupted Peter while sharing his building plans with Jesus and said, “Hear Him.” Why did He not want them to build three tabernacles? Religious ideas are often a distraction to God’s plan. It’s easier to do things out of religious zeal, than to listen and obey Holy Spirit.
Worship for the New Testament believer was moving from keeping the law and temple sacrifice to a concept that sounded too simple.
Jesus commanded Peter, James, and John to keep His transfiguration experience secret for a time.
Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead (Matthew 17:9 NKJV).”
What they saw as defined by Strong’s was something “gazed at, that is a spectacle (especially supernatural) sight vision”. They saw and heard things that no one would believe. They saw and perceived an incredible experience in God validating His Son. How do you keep that quiet? But later when Jesus had risen from the dead, His transfiguration would link back to what Peter, James, and John saw.
Their seeing and hearing experience on the mountain was supernatural in that they saw into a heavenly realm. God transfigured Jesus and also brought Moses and Elijah in as further proof that there was more to the kingdom than their three-dimensional world. This was not just a vision for them but a realm that all believers can enjoy when revealed by Holy Spirit.
Jesus opens more understanding to a realm beyond our three-dimensional world in John, where we are granted access to enter and depart with the consciousness of returning.
I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture (John 10:9 NKJV).
Duty, habit, and tradition can reduce any relationship to a routine. But this event helps modern day believers understand worship in Spirit and truth. God is jealous for intimacy with us and wants us to understand the mysteries of the Kingdom.
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5 NKJV).
Time and place are not synonymous with worshipping God in Spirit and truth. Spirit and truth will move us into new freedom, where time and dimension cannot hinder our entangled union with the Father, through Christ Jesus. We are connected by faith where Jesus made it clear that God’s will is that we experience on earth what already exists in heaven.
I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture (John 10:9 NKJV).
Jesus is the door, opening the way to truth and life.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me (John 14:6 NKJV).
If you are coasting or engaging in what I call “Country Club” Christianity, consider the words of Jesus. His promises are for all who believe. Stop allowing Satan free access to your thought life. Worship Jesus right where you are, in Spirit and truth as often as you wish.
© 2025 Mark Rossback