Jesus is the ultimate example in all things, including worship. When we look in the Gospels we find Jesus worshipping in the sanctuary (as it is termed in Psalm 150). The Message says, "Praise God in His holy house of worship." In both Luke 2 and 4 we find Jesus doing just that. Worship in the house of God was by choice a part of what Jesus did. He set the example for all of us to worship God in His house.
Jesus also gives the example of obedience and submission as a part of worship. At His own baptism he says, ". . . we must do all that God requires". Obedience to God's will is uppermost. In other translations it was necessary. . . "to fulfill all righteousness". Even though He was sinless, He submitted Himself to God in obedience alongside sinners. This obedience so pleased God that the heavens opened and the Father voiced His pleasure. Authentic worship begins with obedience - as we discover as early as Abraham. Jesus showed us that a heart of worship begins with a willingness to obey.
Without going into detail, we see Jesus in a true worship war with satan in the wilderness. In the wilderness Jesus faces a personal one-on-one worship war with satan --- and prevails. Every time satan tempted Him Jesus answered by committing Himself again to the Word and will of God. He won the victory showing us how to win the same victory.
All through the Gospels we find Jesus showing us that prayer was essential to worship. In fact, prayer shouldn't be offered apart from worship. It is one of the elements of worship. But, going beyond that, it is worship. Because of the confidence we have in Him, we know we can ask in His name for all we need. It is our act of faith.
Jesus also worshipped through praise and song. Again, throughout the gospels we find Jesus saying things like. . . " I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth". In other places we find Him overcome by His awe for God the Father, and He worshipped. We don't know exactly what He sang but we know according to Luke 4:15 that it was His custom to attend synagogue, and songs were a part of traditional Jewish worship. And of course we know that He and His disciples sang a hymn after the Last Supper. Imagine our Lord Jesus, Son of God, mouth open - singing songs of praise to God with passion and heart.
Besides His example, He had much to teach on worship. He worshipped God in all He did and was a perfect example of worship as a lifestyle. May we learn from His example. mjm
