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An occasion on which we see the disciples worshiping Jesus is described in Mtt 28:17 :

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.

That happened after the Resurrection. Even though Jesus had appeared to three of them in glory during the Transfiguration, they did not worship him, but only got frightened (Lk 9:28-36; Mk 9:2-8; Mtt 17:1-7 ).

Matthew goes on to say in 17:9

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Of course, we also see Jesus being worshiped after his miraculous walk over the waters , in Mtt 14:32-33 :

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

One reason why the disciples did not worship Jesus in public before the Resurrection could be that it would appear blasphemous to an onlooker. But the Gospels do not mention whether the disciples wanted to worship Jesus in public before the Resurrection and whether he prohibited them .

My question therefore is: Did Jesus forbid the disciples from worshiping him in public before the Resurrection ? Inputs from any denomination are welcome .

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    I would suggest the question requires an adjustment of focus. We know that there is no scripture in the gospels that records any prohibition by Jesus of his disciples worshipping him. Just a glance at a concordance indicates that. But the question highlights an aspect of Jesus' ministry in that after his ascension he is named Lord and Christ and after his resurrection he is declared Son of God. I would suggest that a definite alteration of focus would be edifying. Up-voted in the hope of a good outcome.
    – Nigel J
    Oct 20, 2022 at 8:20
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    Thanks, Nigel . But Mtt 3:7 is loud and clear when it comes to public declaration of Jesus as the Son of God at his baptism : And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” And, did not Thomas address Jesus as Lord and God even before the Ascension (Jn 20:28 ) ? In fact, I have posted this question on CSE for the reason that a question of similar content in Quora has attracted a lot of undesirable answers. Please bear with me. Oct 20, 2022 at 8:45
  • The voice from heaven is unidentified. But, after resurrection . . . . And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: Romans 1:4. // And . . . God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Acts 2:36.
    – Nigel J
    Oct 20, 2022 at 9:14
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    Thanks; I stand corrected. Oct 20, 2022 at 9:40
  • " But the Gospels do not mention whether the disciples wanted to worship Jesus in public before the Resurrection and whether he prohibited them ." Isn't this the answer to your question? Oct 20, 2022 at 12:02

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Jesus accepted worship prior to His Resurrection. As one of the proofs that Jesus is God (because accepting worship would otherwise be condoning idolatry), there are quite a few sites that make note of those instances wherein this is recorded. For example:

Notable examples of Jesus "accepting" worship (prior to His Resurrection) include:

  • The magi visiting Him as an infant. (Although one could argue whether Jesus had and ability to influence the magi at this point, hence the quotes around "accepted".)
  • The triumphal entry ("hosanna" is a plea for salvation and an expression of adoration).
  • Matthew 14:33.
  • John 9:38.

This list is not exhaustive; refer to the linked articles for additional examples. As to whether he forbade the disciples, specifically, to worship Him, I am not aware of any prohibitions to that effect. However, given that He accepted worship on multiple occasions from those who may or may not qualify as "disciples", it would seem odd that He would forbid his closest followers from worshiping him for what might be called "reasons of image" while not making such a prohibition more broadly.

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Jesus clearly taught that we should worship the Father.

21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. (John 4:21-23, KJV)

He taught that the Father was both his God and our God.

Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. (John 20:17, KJV)

Jesus called the Father "the only true God."

1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: 2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (John 17:1-3, KJV)

Yet the Bible teaches that God, who is the Father, was in Christ.

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:19, KJV)

Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. (John 14:10, KJV)

Because God was in Christ, invisible and unseen by human eyes, Jesus accepted the homage of people, without rebuking them, as directed to the Father. To Jesus, their act of worship demonstrated their faith in the Father, whose words and works were manifested in the life of Christ.

But the Bible teaches, further, that God the Father has authorized the worship of Jesus.

5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? 6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. (Hebrews 1:5-6, KJV)

It is therefore no sin to worship Jesus, for the Father accepts this.

And Jesus accepted it, both before and after his resurrection.

And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. (Matthew 28:9, KJV)

But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, (Mark 5:6, KJV)

Conclusion

The Bible's teaching is that it is acceptable to worship Jesus, for the Father has authorized this, and Jesus never once opposed it, but accepted it even before his death.

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  • Stated clearly like our Master did at the well. +1 Oct 21, 2022 at 3:55
  • Good answer, Biblasia. Mr 5:6 however, refers to the man with unclean spirit. NRSVCE says: When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and bowed down before him; and he shouted at the top of his voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” I seriously doubt if that could be called worship. Even if it was, the public would not accuse him of blasphemy, would they ? Oct 21, 2022 at 5:18
  • @KadalikattJosephSibichan In Biblical culture (and language), the act of prostrating oneself in the presence of another is an act of worship. Translators can legitimately translate this as "worship" or they may choose to translate the actions themselves. The Greek word "προσκυνέω" of Mark 5:6 means to "prostrate oneself in homage." In the KJV, it is translated as "worship" all 60 times it occurs in the New Testament.
    – Biblasia
    Oct 21, 2022 at 5:24
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No Jesus does not reject worship. However, Jesus is NEVER worshiped AS the 1 God, YHWH his Father, who he always speaks of.

Jesus tells the woman at the well who to worship AS GOD.

John 4 KJV

21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Instead of interpreting Jesus as receiving worship as the 1 God, a much more Rational interpretation is available for those with ears to hear. I present it for you now:

We see the worship of persons other then YHWH being permitted in scripture. Here are some examples.

Revelation 3:9 (KJV)

Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

Matthew 18:26 (KJV)

The servant therefore fell down and worshiped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

1 Chronicles 29:20

And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the Lord your God. And all the congregation blessed the Lord God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the Lord, and the king.

Joseph was also worshiped by his brothers as the ruler over them and he was also given a dream from God that he would be also and again it is the same word used for worship of God as was used for his brothers bowing to him in worship.

The Revelation Throne room scene in chapters 4 and 5 illustrate my conclusion the best.

Rev4:8- 11

8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,

10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

11 Thou art worthy, O LORD, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

In the next chapter, we read that the Lamb is in the midst of the throne with the elders. He takes the scroll from the One being worshiped as the Creator of everything.

5:6And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

7And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

So we can objectively understand by this scene in scripture that the Lamb is not being worshiped as God, but is receiving praise for his victory and his worthiness to open the seals. The only begotten is the only one who can do this.

ONLY worship our Father, YHWH, AS the One True God. John 17:3

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  • If anyone disagrees enough to downvote... Here is your opportunity to explain fully why christianity.stackexchange.com/q/93004/60347 Oct 21, 2022 at 8:03
  • RLPM, please read Jn 17 from the beginning: "These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee ". Jesus addresses God as Father, not as YHWH ! Flashback Jn 14:10 : "Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I say to you, I do not speak on My own. Instead, it is the Father dwelling in Me, performing His works. " Does that make sense ? Oct 27, 2022 at 7:00
  • The problem with this answer is that it doesn't answer the question asked, but instead follows various tangents. The question doesn't ask whether Jesus rejected worship as YHVH, nor does it ask whether it's valid to worship someone other than YHVH, nor does it ask about any of the other points covered in the answer. The only part of this answer that actually answers the question is the very first sentence: "No Jesus does not reject worship." The rest is a non-answer. Oct 27, 2022 at 9:50
  • @KadalikattJosephSibichan It certainly makes sense to all those who he shares this same glory with. (john 17:22) We are the children of God. Is not the Father also in you? The Risen Son too? Are you not One with them? Are you not also the light of the world? Do you not also reflect the Father's light to others? Does that make sense? Oct 27, 2022 at 16:23
  • @LeeWoofenden The question asks whether Jesus forbid worship before his resurrection. I answered this in the first sentence. Then I explained how this is not contradictory to the Shema... Jesus' most important command to us. YHWH is 1. Yes Jesus was worshiped! We see that clearly. Instead of a "non-answer".....its more of a non-question that my rational answer dismantled. Shalom. Oct 27, 2022 at 16:27

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