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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

  • historical context
  • scripture study
  • theological debate

Putting it to work

  • study scripture
  • learn customs
  • compare traditions

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

  1. 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)

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  2. Religion is not 'doctrinal knowledge,' but wisdom born of personal experience.

    Permalink to quote #19
  3. 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

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