While Jesus doesn't explicitly say "I am the only God and worship me only" in a single verse, some interpret several passages as implying his divinity and warranting worship. Here are a few key examples and why they are relevant:
* John 10:30: "I and the Father are one." This statement is often interpreted as Jesus claiming equality with God the Father, a claim to divinity. While it doesn't directly command worship, it establishes a profound connection to the God who is traditionally worshipped.
* John 5:23: "...that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him." This implies that Jesus should be honored in the same way as God the Father. This is seen by some as a call to worship.
* Matthew 28:9: "And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him."
* Matthew 28:17: "And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted."
* John 20:28: Thomas's declaration, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus accepts this declaration without rebuke. Some argue that if Jesus were not God, he would have corrected Thomas.
* Revelation 5:11-14: This passage describes a scene in heaven where the Lamb (often interpreted as Jesus) receives worship alongside God the Father. This scene implies Jesus's worthiness of worship.
It's important to consider that biblical interpretation is complex. Different denominations and individuals may have varying understandings of these verses and their implications regarding Jesus's divinity and the nature of worship.