Over the centuries, many Christians have worshiped Jesus Christ as God Almighty. However, Jesus himself only attracted attention and worshiped Jehovah God. For example, when Jesus was asked to perform an act of worshiping the devil, he said, "It is Jehovah your God whom you are to worship and only you are to perform sacred service." (Matthew 4:10) Later, Jesus said to his disciples: "Do not call anyone father on earth, for one is your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 23: 9).
For a Samaritan woman, Jesus described the kind of worship people should give God. Your worship must be based on spirit and truth. Indeed, "the Father seeks these people to worship him." (John 4:23, 24) Yes, reverent worship should only be expressed to God. Worshiping someone or anything else would be a form of idolatry that is condemned in both Hebrew and Greek scriptures. - Exodus 20: 4, 5; Galatians 5:19, 20.
"But," some may answer, "doesn't the Bible say we should worship Jesus too?" Didn't Paul say in Hebrews 1: 6, "May all the angels of God [Jesus] worship him"? (King James Version) How can we understand this scripture in light of what the Bible says about idolatry?
Worship in the Bible
First, we need to understand what Paul meant by worship. He used the Greek word pro · sky · ne · o. The Unger Bible Dictionary says that this word literally means "to kiss one's hand in reverence or homage". An explanatory dictionary of the New Testament words from WE Vine states that this word denotes "an act of reverence paid to man". . . Bye. “In biblical times, pro · sky · ne · o often included literally bowing to someone of great stature.
Consider the parable Jesus gave of the slave who was unable to return a substantial sum of money to his master. One form of this Greek word appears in this parable and, when translated in the version of King James, says that “The servant fell because of this and [the form of Pro · heaven · ne · o] he [the king] worshiped and says: Lord, carry me and I will reward you all. "(Matthew 18:26; italics added) Has this man committed any idolatry? No way! He was simply expressing the kind of awe and respect that is due to the king, his lord and superior.
These acts of awe or expression of respect were widespread in Eastern Biblical times. Jacob bowed seven times when he met his brother Esau (Genesis 33: 3). Joseph's brothers bowed or surrendered to him in honor of their position at the Egyptian court. (Genesis 42: 6) With this in mind, we can better understand what happened when astrologers found Baby Jesus, whom they recognized as "the King born of the Jews". As translated in the King James Version, the record tells us that they “fell and worshiped [pro · sky · ne · o]” - Matthew 2: 2, 11.
Hence, it is clear that the word pro sky ne o, which is translated as “worship” in some Bible translations, is not exclusively reserved for the type of worship due to Jehovah God. It can also refer to the respect and honor given to another person. To avoid misunderstandings, some Bible translations translate the word pro · sky · ne · o in Hebrews 1: 6 as “honor him” (New Jerusalem Bible), “honor him” (The Complete Modern English Bible), “Bow down him "(New Testament of the 20th century) or" Homage to him "(New World Translation).
Jesus is worthy of obedience
Is Jesus worthy of such awe? Definitely yes! In his letter to the Hebrews, the apostle Paul declares that Jesus, "heir of all things", "sat in a high place at the right hand of the majesty". (Hebrews 1: 2-4) Therefore "in the name of Jesus all the knees of those in heaven, of those on earth and of those under the earth will bow and every tongue will openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father" ( Philippians 2:10, 11).
Exceptionally, Christ will soon use this exalted position and the broad executive powers that go with it to transform this earth into a global paradise. Under God's guidance and as a result of Jesus' ransom offering, He will deliver the world from all sorrow, pain, and suffering for the benefit of those who submit to His righteousness. Then isn't it worthy of our honor, respect, and obedience? - Psalm 2:12; Isaiah 9: 6; Luke 23:43; Revelation 21: 3, 4.
"A God Who Requires Exclusive Devotion"
However, the Bible makes it clear that our worship, in the sense of awe and religious devotion, must be directed only to God. Moses described him as "a God who demands exclusive devotion". And the Bible exhorts us to "worship Him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the fountains of water". Deuteronomy 4:24; Revelation 14: 7.
Jesus certainly plays a key role in true worship that deserves honor and respect. (2 Corinthians 1:20, 21; 1 Timothy 2: 5) It is the only way to approach Jehovah God. (John 14: 6) Therefore, true Christians will do well to focus their worship on Jehovah God Almighty.
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