Father Gave Commandment To Worship Jesus

Father Gave Commandment to Worship Jesus: Exploring the Biblical Basis and Implications

The statement "Father gave commandment to worship Jesus" requires careful examination within the context of Christian theology. While the Bible doesn't explicitly state a single, concise commandment from the Father directly instructing all people to worship Jesus in a specific, formulaic way, the concept of Jesus' divinity and the imperative to worship Him is a central theme woven throughout the New Testament. Understanding this requires exploring various biblical passages, theological interpretations, and the historical development of Christian worship practices.

The Divinity of Jesus: The Foundation for Worship

The core of the argument rests on the understanding of Jesus' nature. Christian belief centers on the doctrine of the Trinity – God existing as three co-equal, co-eternal persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. This doctrine isn't explicitly laid out in a single verse but is developed through numerous passages. Understanding Jesus' divinity is crucial because worship is inherently directed towards the divine.

John 1:1-14: The Word Made Flesh

John 1:1-14 is a cornerstone passage for understanding Jesus' divinity. It proclaims, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." This passage identifies Jesus as the Word, eternally existing with God and possessing the very nature of God. This inherent divinity necessitates worship.

John 20:28: Thomas's Declaration

After Jesus' resurrection, Thomas, initially doubting, exclaimed, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28). Jesus' response doesn't rebuke Thomas's declaration of worship but instead affirms his faith. This incident powerfully illustrates the early church's understanding of Jesus' divine nature and the consequent act of worship.

Philippians 2:5-11: The Humiliation and Exaltation of Christ

Philippians 2:5-11 describes Jesus' willing humility and subsequent exaltation by the Father. The passage highlights Jesus' equality with God, yet His self-emptying act of becoming human to redeem humanity. This emphasizes both Jesus' divinity and the Father's role in his exaltation, indirectly implying the Father's approval of worship directed towards Jesus.

Implicit and Explicit Commands to Worship Jesus: Biblical Evidence

While a single, direct command from the Father to worship Jesus may be absent in a single verse, numerous passages implicitly and explicitly support this practice.

Matthew 28:18-20: The Great Commission

The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) instructs believers to "make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." The inclusion of Jesus in this central command, alongside the Father and the Holy Spirit, suggests a parallel status worthy of worship and obedience. Baptisms, a key act of worship and initiation into the Christian faith, are performed in Jesus' name, further emphasizing his role in worship.

Revelation 5:11-14: Worship of the Lamb

In the book of Revelation, John witnesses a celestial scene of worship directed towards the Lamb, Jesus Christ. Creatures throughout heaven are seen praising and worshipping Jesus. This powerful image underscores the cosmic reality of worship directed towards Jesus, implicitly sanctioned by the heavenly Father.

Hebrews 1:1-4: The Superiority of Jesus

Hebrews 1:1-4 emphasizes the superiority of Jesus over the angels, highlighting his role as the Son of God, the heir of all things, and the radiant expression of God's glory. This elevated status naturally leads to the understanding that worship is due to Him.

Other New Testament Passages

Numerous other passages throughout the New Testament, such as those in the Gospels, Epistles, and Revelation, allude to, or directly portray, acts of worship given to Jesus. These portrayals, although not always directly stated as commands from the Father, firmly establish the practice of worship directed towards Jesus within the early church.

Theological Interpretations and Perspectives

Different theological interpretations exist regarding the precise nature of the command to worship Jesus. Some argue that the command is implicit in the revealed nature of Jesus' divinity, while others emphasize the Father's approval and sanctioning of this worship through Jesus' actions and the testimonies of the apostles and prophets.

The Trinity and the Unity of Worship

Understanding the Trinity is crucial for grasping the relationship between the Father and the Son concerning worship. While distinct persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one God. Worship directed towards Jesus is, therefore, not a division of worship but rather a unified act of worship directed towards the whole Godhead.

The Father's Authority and Jesus' Mediatorship

The Father holds ultimate authority. However, through the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Father has revealed himself fully. Jesus acts as the mediator between God and humanity. Worshiping Jesus, therefore, isn't seen as disobeying the Father but rather fulfilling the Father's will through the appointed mediator.

Implications for Christian Life and Practice

The understanding that the Father implicitly or explicitly commands worship of Jesus has profound implications for Christian life and practice.

The centrality of Jesus in Worship

Jesus Christ should occupy the central position in Christian worship. Prayers, hymns, sermons, and all aspects of worship should reflect this reality.

Personal Devotion and Obedience

Worship of Jesus isn't simply a ritual but a lifestyle. It involves personal devotion, obedience to His teachings, and striving to live according to His example.

Mission and Evangelism

Worshiping Jesus should lead to a commitment to mission and evangelism. Sharing the good news of Jesus' salvation and inviting others to worship Him is a natural outflow of the worship experience.

The Unity of the Church

The shared worship of Jesus unites Christians worldwide, transcending cultural and denominational differences. This shared faith fosters fellowship, mutual support, and collective witness.

Conclusion: A Unified Act of Worship

The concept of the Father giving a commandment to worship Jesus is not presented as a single explicit statement in the Bible. However, the biblical narrative, through the revelation of Jesus' divinity, the implicit and explicit commands found throughout Scripture, and the consistent practice of the early church, strongly suggests that worshiping Jesus is a fundamental aspect of Christian faith, implicitly approved and sanctioned by the Father. It's a unified act of worship directed towards the one God revealed in the Trinity. Understanding this concept is crucial for proper Christian theology, practice, and ultimately, the experience of a life fully surrendered to God. It guides us to live lives of devotion, service, and evangelism, reflecting the glory of the Father through the Son, guided by the Holy Spirit. The act of worship, therefore, becomes not just a ritual but a response of love, gratitude, and obedience to the Triune God.