While Jesus doesn't explicitly say the exact phrase "praise God" in the Gospels, he does several things that are understood as acts of praise and worship towards God the Father. Here's a breakdown:
* Prayer: Jesus frequently prays to God. Prayer is a form of communication and reverence, and his prayers often express gratitude and acknowledge God's power and will. This act of communing with God is a form of praise.
* Giving Thanks: Jesus gives thanks to God before meals and for other blessings. Giving thanks is an act of recognizing God's goodness and provision, which is a form of praise.
* Quoting Scripture: Jesus often quotes from the Old Testament, including the Psalms, which are filled with praises to God. By using these scriptures, he is participating in the existing tradition of praising God.
* Teaching about Worship: Jesus teaches about worshipping God in spirit and in truth. While he doesn't use the specific phrase "praise God," his teachings emphasize the importance of genuine worship and devotion to God.
* Obedience: Jesus's entire life is characterized by obedience to God's will. His obedience, even to the point of death, is considered the ultimate act of worship and praise.
In conclusion, while Jesus may not utter the specific words "praise God," his actions, prayers, teachings, and obedience all demonstrate a profound reverence and worship of God, which are forms of praise.