Jesus as Worshipper

If Jesus truly is the model we seek to imitate, then how Jesus worshipped should give us insight into how we, too, can worship our Father in heaven. As Chris Jack* reminds us, we know that Jesus was a Jew - and as such, He worshiped as a good Jew. "Jesus worshipped according to the established Jewish patterns and practices of his day."

Have you ever considered how Jesus worshipped? Why or why not? Should Jesus be our model for some things and not others?

HOW DID JESUS MODEL WORSHIP?
Chris Jack lists a number of scriptures that give us evidence that Jesus followed the Jewish practices of the day. Circumcision, temple and synagogue attendance are just a few examples. But I think the most important model of worship Jesus gave us is this: Jesus lived his life in complete submission and obedience to the Father. In that, Jesus was a model worshipper.

How are you doing in your submission and obedience to the Father? Are you a model worshipper? Are there areas that you are holding back from God? How about in gathered worship - are you completly surrendered to God among your brothers and sisters in Christ?

JESUS IS THE TRUE WORSHIPPER
Not only was Jesus a model worshipper, He was the one totally true worshipper - and more! "As the ultimate sacrifice for sin ... Jesus becomes the means of worship, the One through whom worship is to be offered." He makes true worship possible for us all. Praise God!

Are you focused on Christ in your worship? In personal worship? In gathered worship? Or is your focus distracted by other things? How can we better focus on the object of our worship?

Eric Powell, Pastor of Worship Arts

* Quoted excerpts taken from "Understanding Worship In The New Testament" by Chris Jack, pages 55-60 of the book Inside-Out Worship by Matt Redman and friends. For more, see here.