Bible Questions and Answers

Matthew 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

Using Strong’s Concordance

Worship <4352> proskuneo

Translated in the King James Version - worship 60 times

Meaning:

1) to kiss the hand to (towards) one, in token of reverence

2) among the Orientals, esp. the Persians, to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverence

3) in the NT by kneeling or prostration to do homage (to one) or make obeisance, whether in order to express respect or to make supplication

3a) used of homage shown to men and beings of superior rank

In New Testament times it was common for men to worship their superiors.

We find it in one of Jesus’ parables:

Matthew 18:26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped (<4352> προσκυνέω proskuneo) him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

It is not restricted to the worship of God.

Angels are instructed to worship Jesus:

Hebrews 1:6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.

All power has been given into the hand of Jesus.

Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

He is the appointed judge:

John 5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: 

Acts 17:31 Because he (God) hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Jesus is to be honoured

John 5:23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

Philippians 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Having said this, there is a difference between the way that God is worshipped and the way that Jesus is to be worshipped.

God is to be worshipped as the creator and sustainer of all life and all prayer is to be made to him.

Jesus is to be worshipped as our superior and mediator between God and man; the one who gave his life for us and now sits at God’s right hand to make intercession for us.

Jesus is not God. He is the Son of God. In worship this relationship must be understood and maintained.

I hope this helps.

God bless,
Glenn