My grandfather had a quiet strength about him. Those who knew him loved him. He was firm in the pulpit when it came to preaching truth, and he was gentle in correction with those who came to him for guidance. He had a heart for missions and would stay informed on what God was doing across the world. His heart was moved by what moved God and, on many occasions, he would tear up when sharing testimonies of God’s faithfulness. My grandfather pointed many to Jesus simply by the way he lived his life. He reflected Jesus, and because of that, others were drawn to him in admiration. Over the years, the character traits in my grandfather helped me to see those same traits in my Heavenly Father. 

Jesus’ life also reflected the heart of the Father. He was the exact representation of God the Father. He did nothing apart from Him. If we want to know what God is like, all we have to do is look to Jesus. Just as my love grew for my grandfather the more I knew him and his love for me, our love and adoration for our Heavenly Father flows from a knowledge of His deep love for us. 

While we do not find the word “adoration” in English versions of the Bible, we see aspects of adoration in worship of God throughout the Old and New Testament. Adoration is admiration in its highest form. You cannot admire someone you do not know. To truly know Jesus is to know God, and to know God is to worship Him. As we study the life of Jesus, we find ourselves in the shoes of those who came face to face with Him. We too must be ready to answer the question Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” in Mark 8:29. A true encounter with the Son of God will result in more than simple admiration, but an entire life abandoned to worship through sacrifice and surrender. May we encounter Jesus in such a way that our worship reflects Him to those around us.