Jesus is Worthy of Worship
“When you are completely surrendered to Jesus, you are not looking for the approval of others, but you do want the approval and affirmation of Christ.” – Tony Walliser
Read John 12:1-9, Mark 14:1-8
Jesus is Worthy of Worship
Have you noticed how good men are at worshiping things? For instance, if we’re into sports, we’re inclined to worship our favorite teams. You know how you can tell? If you’re a Tennessee fan, how do you react when you see some fellow wearing an Alabama tee shirt? Or say you’re a Georgia fan, you’re at the grocery store, and you see someone else wearing a Florida sweatshirt? You don’t give them a high-five, do you?
Some guys are more partial to pro football, or baseball, or some other sport. Makes no difference. When our team’s playing on TV, especially in a game that matters, we’ll go to great extremes if necessary to make sure we’re ready to watch the action without any distractions.
But it’s not just sports. Have you ever observed how a guy dotes over the classic car he’s so meticulously restored? Or the sleek new car he just bought? Kind of like worship, isn’t it? How about the fellow who wants everyone to recognize his business achievements? Or a person who’s determined to create the most beautiful yard in the neighborhood, devoting countless hours to mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, nurturing flowers and creating a visual feast for anyone passing by? Just obey the sign, “Keep Off the Grass!”
When it comes to worship, we might concentrate our attention on a variety of things. If this has stepped over the boundary between preaching to meddling, sorry about that. Don’t mean to offend. But when God created humans, He gave each of us a desire for worship. The problem comes when our worship is directed toward the wrong things.
In the passages above we find Mary, one of Jesus’ most faithful followers, anointing His feet with expensive perfume. To some people it seemed like a foolish act, an absolute waste. But for Mary it was a profound act of worship. There was no question in her mind that Jesus was worthy of worship, and she was giving Him the very best that she had.
What makes Him worthy? Have you ever wondered that? We read in Revelation 4:11, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You have created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being.” We find a very similar declaration in Acts 17:28, in which the apostle Paul told a group of idol worshipers in ancient Athens, “…in Him we live and move and have our being.”
Think about that: The fact you were able to get out of bed this morning, could breathe the air, your heart was beating, and blood was coursing through your veins is all because the Lord has given you another day of life. That’s no small thing, right?
In another passage from Revelation, we find thousands upon thousands of angels praising the Lord Jesus seated on the throne of heaven: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise” (Revelation 5:12). Jesus gave His very best – His own life – dying on the cross so that we might receive forgiveness and the promise of eternal life.
Earlier we mentioned some of the things that can receive our attention and focus – our worship. Maybe your favorite wasn’t listed. Nevertheless, do you truly believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is worthy of worship? Worthy of your worship?
If He is, how will you worship Him today? What would you be willing to sacrifice – if necessary – to demonstrate your love and devotion? Maybe even if other people think it’s foolish?