When I go on a road trip, I am usually on the lookout for something extraordinary. Depending on where I am, it may be wildlife, waterways, or breathtaking views.

In a recent scan through the gospel of Matthew, I chose to be on the lookout for occasions where Jesus was worshiped. With all of His amazing teachings and miracles, surely hearers and recipients would respond with heartfelt worship.

What did I find? Many were in awe. Some were grateful. Others were curious or even angry. And some fell on their knees. (Depending on the Bible translation, sometimes “worship” is translated “knelt.”)

• A leper and a synagogue ruler knelt before Jesus before he worked a miracle. (Matt. 8:2; 9:18).
• A non-Jewish woman knelt before Jesus as she pled for Him to heal her demon-possessed daughter (Matt. 15:25).

I was relieved to find occasions where Jesus was truly worshiped.

• The wise men came to worship the “king of the Jews.” It occurred months after Jesus’ birth, possibly up to two years later. “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him” (Matthew 2:11a).
• The disciples worshiped Jesus after they witnessed Him walking on water (Matt. 14:33).
• On Resurrection Day, women had gone to the tomb and an angel explained Jesus had risen from the dead. “Suddenly Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,’ he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him” (Matthew 28:9).
• Finally, before Jesus ascended to heaven, the eleven disciples went up a mountain in Galilee to meet Jesus. “When they saw him, they worshiped him” (Matt. 28:17a).

Worshiping Jesus is an attitude of the heart that acknowledges who He is. May we join the worshipers, remembering what He has done, is doing, and will do.