N O W H E R E does Jesus say, "I am God, worship me,"
The claim that N O W H E R E does Jesus say, "I am God, worship me," is often brought up in discussions about the divinity of Jesus.
My Question To Fellow Muslim Friends is Where Does Jesus Says "I am Not God, Don'tWorship Me?
Suppose a man does indeed come up to you and says, "I am God, worship me." Would you believe him? Would you worship him? The immediate reaction of any devout monotheistic believer would likely be to regard the person making such a claim as an impostor or a blasphemer. If this would be your reaction, then why would you demand such a statement from Jesus, knowing you might not accept it anyway? Most would consider anyone making such a statement as either insane or a blasphemer. Jesus, understanding this natural reaction, saw no reason to express his claims in such a direct and potentially foolish way. However, he did make claims to divinity in indirect ways, and those are just as clear.
Perhaps you are cautious and open minded, not wanting to completely dismiss such a claim. After all, asserting that God is incapable of appearing in human form would limit His omnipotence, and you believe in an all-powerful God. However, you would likely demand conclusive proof for such a claim. After all, worshipping someone who is not God would be idolatry, But refusing to worship God when he demands is equally a great a sin.
What matters in the end is not the existence of this literal statement, but whether there is clear evidence that Jesus is indeed God, regardless of the form in which he made the claim. If there is clear proof of his divine identity, then you are compelled to worship Him, even if His commands are not worded in the way you might expect. We cannot dictate to God how He must reveal Himself before we accept Him.
For instance, in the Gospel according to John, Jesus says, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies" (John 11:25). He makes the offer of eternal life conditional on faith in his own person, a claim that would be blasphemous for anyone other than God. This is a remarkable assertion. Does he provide any evidence to support his authority to make such claims? The Gospel records many details of what happened on this particular day, culminating in Jesus calling out, "Lazarus, come out!" The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped in strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus then said, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go" (John 11:43-44).
When you read the Gospels carefully, you will find that consistently:
Jesus talks as Likehe is God.
Jesus acts as Like he is God.
Jesus gives evidence for claiming this authority rightfully by performing miraculous signs.
After three years with his disciples, one of them asks Jesus to "show us the Father (God)." Jesus responds, "Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves" (John 14:10-11).
Jesus expected his disciples and those around him to recognize his true nature and identity through his words—words that are fitting only for God—and through his deeds. Jesus provides sufficient proof and allows you to draw your own conclusions. Anyone could claim to be God, and many have made such claims throughout history. Only the true God can provide authentic evidence, and once that evidence is given, there is no longer a need for an explicit command to worship. The statement "I am God" adds nothing substantial to the question of his identity. His true identity is established by the proof he offers, not by claims that anyone could make. Once the evidence is presented, the specific statement you might demand becomes unnecessary. Those who are open to the truth will recognize the evidence; those who ignore the evidence would not be convinced even if he made the explicit statement. Once you recognize his true identity, worshiping him becomes a natural response.
This is indeed an extraordinary thought, perhaps even unbelievable. That’s why it took the disciples themselves a long time to fully grasp it. They only began to truly understand its significance after Jesus' own death and resurrection, when they encountered the risen Lord.
In the Gospel according to John, at the end of chapter 20, and the Gospel according to Matthew, at the end of chapter 28, we read that Jesus receives worship and affirms it. Although he never explicitly demands worship, he accepts it and confirms it as appropriate.
You assert that N O W H E R E does Jesus say, "I am God, worship me," and understand this as Nowhere Jesus says, "I am God, worship me." You are correct in a literal sense he never says these exact words. However, he makes his claims very clear in many other ways. Open your eyes, and you will see the truth. Now here Jesus says "I am God.
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