They Worshiped Jesus

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. {2} He was in the beginning with God. {3} All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made" (John 1:1-3).

The apostle John reveals that Jesus the Son of God was God and that He was with God the Father and that all of creation was made by Him. John also reveals that Jesus, also known as the "Word" became Flesh and dwelt among men.

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).

Jesus plays such an important part in our lives and our salvation. Jesus is our savior, Lord, deliverer, friend, brother, guardian, king, shepherd, mediator, apostle, high priest, healer, messiah, groom (the Church is to be the bride), God and Creator.

Jesus is the God of the Old Testament and the Savior of the New Testament. Salvation comes only through Jesus.

Acts 4:12  tells us: "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

Can you ever have "To much Jesus"? The answer is NO! Jesus is very important to you and your salvation. The disciples loved and worshiped Jesus.

Let’s follow a theme through the New Testament on Worshiping Jesus. Let’s see if we can learn some points on how to worship Jesus.

"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, {2} saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." {3} When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. {4} And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. {5} So they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: {6} 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.'" {7} Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. {8} And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also." {9} When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. {10} When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. {11} And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh" (Mat 2:1-11.

These gentile wise men must have had the Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah and they desired to worship Him. Miraculously God provided a star to guide them to where Jesus was so that they could worship Him. Jesus was a king and they brought gifts to Him. What kind of gifts do you offer Jesus?

Notice what Herod said in verse 8: "bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also." What was Herod’s real intent? The answer is found in verse 13: "Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.""

"For to which of the angels did He ever say: "You are My Son, Today I have begotten You"? And again: "I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son"? {6} But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: "Let all the angels of God worship Him." {7} And of the angels He says: "Who makes His angels spirits And His ministers a flame of fire." {8} But to the Son He says: "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your Kingdom. {9} You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions." {10} And: "You, LORD, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. {11} They will perish, but You remain; And they will all grow old like a garment; {12} Like a cloak You will fold them up, And they will be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will not fail." {13} But to which of the angels has He ever said: "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool"? {14} Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?" (Heb 1:5-14).

Hebrews 1:6 is a command that all the angels worship Jesus . Why? He is the Son of God and He is the "firstborn into the world".

"When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. {2} And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." {3} Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. {4} And Jesus said to him, "See that you tell no one; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them" (Mat 8:1-4).

The leper worshiped Jesus first, then Jesus healed him.

"While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler (a synagogue ruler named Jairus - Mark 5:22) came and worshiped Him, saying, "My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live." {19} So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples" (Mat 9:18-19).

Mat 9:23-26 continues: "When Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing, {24} He said to them, "Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping." And they ridiculed Him. {25} But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. {26} And the report of this went out into all that land."

The New International Version translates the word "worship" in verse 18 as "knelt". Kneeling is a form of worship and humility.

"Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. {23} And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. {24} But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. {25} Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. {26} And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. {27} But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid." {28} And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." {29} So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. {30} But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" {31} And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" {32} And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. {33} Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God.""

It would have been quite an experience to see Jesus walking on the water. This experience was so dynamic that the disciples worshiped Jesus and said "Truly You are the Son of God."

"Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: {8} 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. {9} And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men" (Mat 15:7-9).

Jesus can see through false and vain worship. He can read the hearts, the minds and the attitudes of all men. This is why we must be humble in our worship of God and Jesus.

"Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. {22} And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed." {23} But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, "Send her away, for she cries out after us." {24} But He answered and said, "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." {25} Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, help me!" {26} But He answered and said, "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs." {27} And she said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." {28} Then Jesus answered and said to her, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that very hour" (Mat 15:21-28).

It is interesting to note that Jesus ignored this gentile woman at first, but she persisted, and then He marveled at her faith and healed her daughter. We must be persistent in our prayers. It takes faith to have our prayers answered. "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (James 5:16).

"Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth" (John 9:1).

"When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. {7} And He said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing" (John 9:6-7).

"He answered and said, "Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?" {37} And Jesus said to him, "You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you." {38} Then he said, "Lord, I believe!" And he worshiped Him. {39} And Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind." {40} Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, "Are we blind also?" {41} Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, 'We see.' Therefore your sin remains" (John 9:36-41).

Jesus told the blind man to "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam". The blind man obeyed Jesus and was healed. Many people today are spiritually blind because of sin. Most people don’t know what sin is. The Bible definition of sin is found in 1 John 3:4 (KJV) "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law."

Jesus said: "If you love Me, keep My commandments" (John 14:15).

The blind man obeyed Jesus. Will you obey Jesus and keep His commandments?

"Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes. {2} And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, {3} who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains, {4} because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him. {5} And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones. {6} When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him. {7} And he cried out with a loud voice and said, "What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me." {8} For He said to him, "Come out of the man, unclean spirit!" {9} Then He asked him, "What is your name?" And he answered, saying, "My name is Legion; for we are many" (Mark 5:1-9).

The demon-possessed man was healed. Let’s notice in the following verses that the demons must obey Jesus. They asked for his permission.

"Also he begged Him earnestly that He would not send them out of the country. {11} Now a large herd of swine was feeding there near the mountains. {12} So all the demons begged Him, saying, "Send us to the swine, that we may enter them." {13} And at once Jesus gave them permission. Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine (there were about two thousand); and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea" (Mark 5:10-13).

"Then the soldiers led Him away into the hall called Praetorium, and they called together the whole garrison. {17} And they clothed Him with purple; and they twisted a crown of thorns, put it on His head, {18} and began to salute Him, "Hail, King of the Jews!" {19} Then they struck Him on the head with a reed and spat on Him; and bowing the knee, they worshiped Him. {20} And when they had mocked Him, they took the purple off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him" (Mark 15:16-20).

The soldiers worshiped Jesus and mocked Him. We must be careful in our worship of God and Jesus. We must worship in spirit and in truth.

"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. {24} "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:23-24).

"Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb" (Mat 28:1).

"And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. {10} Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me" (Mat 28:9-10).

"Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. {17} When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted" (Mat 28:16-17).

"And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. {51} Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. {52} And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, {53} and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen" (Luke 24:50-53).

What a fantastic experience! Jesus’ disciples saw Him go through the beatings, crucifixion, dying on the cross and finally buried. And now, after He was resurrected, they see Him alive. They see Him, touch Him, eat with Him, Thomas even put his hand into Jesus’ side. And they worshiped Him.

Jesus showed his disciples that through the resurrection there is life after death, and that we will live with him forever. This gives us hope.

Stephen was full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen disputing with Stephen.

Stephen said: "You stiff necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. {52} "Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, {53}"who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it." {54} "When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. {55} But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, {56} and said, "Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" {57} Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; {58} and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. {59} And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." {60} Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin." And when

he had said this, he fell asleep" (Acts 7:51-60).

Let’s notice what Stephen did, as he was dying, he called on God but was talking to Jesus!

Jesus taught us to pray to the Father. What we call the Lord’s prayer begins: "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name" (Mat 6:9 KJV).

But occasionally, it is not wrong to pray to Jesus. Tell Him that you appreciate His sacrifice for you. Thank Him for shedding His blood for you and that through His blood we are justified and that we are saved by his life.

"Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. {10} For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life" (Rom 5:9-10).

Before concluding, let’s go back to the night before the crucifixion and look at something special that happened.

"Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. {4} Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, "Whom are you seeking?" {5} They answered Him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am He." And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. {6} Now when He said to them, "I am He," they drew back and fell to the ground. {7} Then He asked them again, "Whom are you seeking?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." {8} Jesus answered, "I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way" (John 18:3-8).

Notice that they drew back and fell to the ground. Now if you fall to the ground, you will either fall on your knees or on your face. They were either kneeling or in a prostate position on the ground. Both positions are a state of worship.

"For it is written: "As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God"" (Rom 14:11).

This shows that Jesus had power and that they were not going to take Him against His will.

We have seen that many people came to Jesus and worshiped Him. Jesus healed them and cast demons out. We have also seen that there is a wrong way to worship Jesus. We must not mock Him or be ashamed of Him.

"For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels" (Mark 8:38).

One of the reasons that we should worship Jesus is that He is such an important part of our lives and our salvation. Jesus is our Lord and savior.

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