Jesus as God
The Healed Man Believes in and Worships Jesus
Proskyneo can denote either worship or profound homage; context must determine its force.
How this passage contributes to the case:
The labels below identify the kinds of evidence for Jesus' divinity found in this passage.
Select a label for an explanation.
Divine Identity
Receiving Worship
Accepted Divine Testimony
Son of Man and Heavenly Authority
Receives Worship
Claims Unique Sonship
Strength of evidence: Strong.
This passage provides substantial evidence relevant to Jesus' divine identity when read in its literary and historical context.
El Greco
Scripture
What Was Said or Done
After Jesus reveals himself to the healed man, the man confesses belief and worships Jesus.
Historical and Cultural Context
Scripture reserves religious worship for God, while human beings can also receive gestures of homage in non-divine settings.
Old Testament Background
Exodus 20:3-5; Deuteronomy 6:13 provide the worship background.
Exposition
Within John, the man's understanding of Jesus rises progressively until he believes and prostrates himself before Jesus, who accepts the response.
Why This Points to His Divinity
The accepted worship/homage is strong cumulative evidence when read within a Gospel that has already identified Jesus as God.
Response of the Hearers
The healed man says, 'Lord, I believe,' and worships Jesus.