[This] adoration, too, was not the same as the worship of God. In my opinion they did not yet recognize him as God, but they acted in keeping with the custom mentioned in Scripture, according to which Kings and important people were worshiped; this did not mean more than falling down before them at their feet and honoring them.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The adoration shown to Jesus was customary honor for kings, not worship of God.
- In plain terms
- People honored Jesus like a king, not as God at that time.
- What can you take from it?
- Understand historical customs of worship and honor.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What is worship?
- How do we show honor?
Another view
Believers often see this as divine worship from the start.
More from Martin Luther
On coming to the house, they (the Magi), saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. (Matthew 2:11)
Permalink to quote #17 Religion is not 'doctrinal knowledge,' but wisdom born of personal experience.
Permalink to quote #19 The 'great things' are nothing less than that she became the Mother of God, in which work so many and such great good things are bestowed upon her as pass man'…
Permalink to quote #16
Related quotes
Scrutamini scripturas (Let us look at the scriptures). These two words have undone the world.
John SeldenJohn Selden quote #1 Time! Time! Time! - we must not impugn the Scripture Chronology, but we must interpret it in accordance with whatever shall appear on fair enquiry to be the tr…
John HerschelJohn Herschel quote #1 As I conceive this doctrine to be a gross misrepresentation of the character and moral government of God, and to affect many other articles in the scheme of Ch…
Joseph PriestleyJoseph Priestley quote #1