Did People in the Gospel Worship Jesus?

The translation of the Gospels indicates that various individuals “worshiped” Jesus, but is this true? The word that is used in the Greek is “proskyneō” ( προσκυνέω). While this verse is often translated as “worship,” we see that a more accurate translation is to pay homage.

In Matthew 18:26, Jesus gives the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant. In this parable, the servant falls on his knees before the king as an act of homage, seeking mercy, and not an act of worship.

“At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.'” –  Matthew 18:26

To “pay homage” means to show respect, honor, or reverence to someone or something. This act can take various forms depending on the context and the relationship between the one paying homage and the one receiving it. Physical acts of homage often include bowing or kneeling, common gestures indicating submission, respect, or worship. In some contexts, it may involve prostration, where one lies flat on the ground, face down, to show deep reverence.

In regards to a king, “pay homage” means to demonstrate respect and loyalty towards the monarch. This practice has historical roots in feudal systems where subjects, particularly vassals and nobles, would perform specific acts to show their allegiance to their sovereign. Acts of homage often included physical gestures such as bowing deeply or kneeling before the king to signify submission and respect.

The concept of the Messiah as the King of the Jews is a central theme in Jewish and Christian theology, rooted in the prophecies of the Hebrew Bible. According to these prophecies, the Messiah would be a divinely anointed leader from the lineage of King David, who would establish God’s kingdom on earth, bringing justice, peace, and righteousness. This future king would restore Israel, gather the exiles, and reign with wisdom and fairness, reflecting God’s perfect governance. In Christianity, Jesus Christ is believed to fulfill these Messianic prophecies, as he is seen as the eternal King who inaugurates a spiritual kingdom transcending earthly politics. His role as the Messiah is not only to rule but also to redeem humanity, offering salvation and establishing a new covenant between God and his people. This dual aspect of kingship and savior is fundamental to understanding the Messianic expectation and its fulfillment in the Christian faith.