Rejecting Propaganda about Christ's Position

Propaganda is misleading many Christians.

In this series, I'll share popular lies and how to respond to them biblically. 

Today we'll address the first half of a popular lie presented by James Talarico who claims to be a Christian. He's an excellent spokesman for many popular lies-in-disguise.

[If you want to understand why I'm using Talarico's quotes in this series, see Let's Not Avoid Controversy.]

“Not once in the entire Bible does Jesus ask us to worship him. All he asks is that we follow him. Love like He loved. Love the outcast. Welcome the stranger.” ~James Talarico

The first sentence in this quote is true, but it's typically used to deny Christ's deity or claim Christ didn't want to be worshiped. Let's address both claims:

First: Scripture clearly condemns worshiping anyone except God (Deuteronomy 8:19; Exodus 34:14). Jesus Himself confirmed this truth: “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only” (Luke 4:8).

Second: Jesus confirmed His Deity saying, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). 

Third: Jesus frequently accepted worship without rebuking anyone who gave it:

Disciples (Matthew 14:33 and 28:17).

Women at the tomb (Matthew 28:9).

Man born blind (John 9:38).

Leper (Matthew 8:2).

Jairus (Matthew 9:18).

Canaanite woman (Matthew 15:25).

Thomas (John 20:28).

In addition, the wise men worshiped Jesus (Matthew 2:11). 

Conclusion: While not specifically asking for worship during His earthly life, Jesus confirmed its importance and confirmed His deity by accepting worship. 

So why did Talarico say it in a quote about Christ's position and purposes? We’ll discuss that in tomorrow's devotion.

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Because Christ's deity is so often denied by cults and false religions, I encourage you to read and bookmark these two devotions: Make Sure You Know the Passages that Confirm Christ's Deity and More Proof of Christ's Deity and of the Trinity.

* Some of the verses in this list simply say the person knelt down before Christ and others say they worshiped Him. All verses except John 20:28 use the Greek word proskuneó which means to worship or kneel in worship. And in John 20:28 Thomas worships by acknowledging Jesus as his Lord and God.