Where Does Jesus Say in Your Bible, 'I am God. Worship Me’?

We rejoice in knowing Jesus, and sharing the life of Jesus, and the gospel, that great 'good' news. Jesus, however, as God and as man can be a bit of mystery, for the Bible reader or the invested listener. Even with the clarity of John, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning...The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1,2,14) " Some will still demand certain exact words as the defining Bible evidence for Jesus as God, Him saying it exactly.

Where does Jesus say “I am God. Worship me.”? He doesn't. Those exact words are not to be found, but neither can there be found, “I am just a prophet. Hear me.” Nor can one find, “I am just a teacher. Listen to me.” Nor is there, “I am just a good man.” Exact words are fine when they are there, but can be a distraction when absent, whether the inquiry is from a child in Sunday school, an interested academic, or a Muslim apologist. Jesus revealed who He was, often through conversation which was understood well enough by those of that time to be influenced to attempt Jesus' stoning for blasphemy.

“I and the Father are one. (John 10:30)” Jesus shows His divinity alongside this, in multiple verses. "Now when the Pharisee which had bidden Him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, ‘This man if He were a prophet would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth Him: for she is a sinner’ (Luke 7:39)"  Then Jesus answered Him, reading His thoughts. Following this Jesus received worship - a God thing.  He forgave her sins - a God thing.  He conferred upon her 'salvation', and 'peace'- God things, all. "Worship the Lord, your God and serve Him only. (Luke 4:8)" These and so many more [without the 'exact words'] support the Bible's view of Jesus as God. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for all the clarity You have given that we need to carry on that God-honoring conversation with others. And now, wed with clarity, may we move with courage. Amen.
Dea. McNeal Brockington