What an odd question! Afterall, it is not like we are buying Jesus. Yet, how we “price” Jesus is very important in our relationship with God.
A few years ago, I read this verse in John 5:22-23:
- “For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, 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. “
Verse 23, gave me pause. I think of God, the Father and honor Him. But, am I honoring Jesus? This verse makes it clear that we are “to honor” the Son, Jesus, as intentionally as we honor the Father. This verse highlights the truth that Jesus states in John 10:30 that the Father is One with the Son.
What does it mean to “honor”?
In the context of John 5:23, the word “honor” is used four times in this verse, and two times it is the same Greek word τιμῶσι transliterated timosi. It is first used in reference to God the Father, and the second time to Jesus, the Son.
What does τιμάω /τιμῶσι mean? Literally it means: to price; to fix a valuation on; to assign value/worth to a person or object; to prize with the implication of venerate and revere.(See: https://biblehub.com/greek/5091.htm and https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5091/esv/mgnt/0-1/ )
We all associate “honor” with praise. Having a proper sense of the value of Jesus will lead to our praising Him as well as obeying Him in a devoted way.
Lack of Faith De-values Jesus
As we read the story of Jesus in the gospel of Matthew 27:9, we see that the sons of Israel (the “people of God”) valued Jesus at 30 pieces of silver.
- “Then what was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price set on Him by the people of Israel…”
The religious leaders of Israel and many of the sons of Israel did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God, Immanuel-God in the flesh (Read: Mt. 1:22-23; John 8:23-26). Because of their unbelief they de-valued Jesus. They did not “prize” Him therefore they did not hold him as sacred, and venerate Him or obey Him.
Growing in Valuing Jesus
One of the ways that I am coming to have a greater sense of “valuing/honoring” Jesus is by reading truths in the scriptures of what Jesus has done for me. As I read these verses I see Jesus more clearly.
But, before I go any further, I have to say that to “value” Jesus, I need to see the depth and the power of my sinful nature. It is kind of like seeing “prized” diamonds on a black backdrop. The black backdrop shows the brilliance of the diamonds.
So, let’s look at what we have in Jesus.
Redemption in Jesus
Romans 3:23-25b states that we have redemption in Jesus through His atoning blood.
- “… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation (atonement) by his blood, to be received by faith.”
We have redemption in Christ Jesus. He is my/your Redeemer. Jesus redeemed us, “bought us” out of the kingdom of darkness and brought us into His kingdom of light. Read Colossians 1:13-14, which reveals how the Father redeemed us through Jesus.
No Condemnation in Jesus
Romans 8:1-2 states that God in Jesus removes all condemnation from us. What a relief to our mind and spirit!
- “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”
Condemnation is a heavy word. In Greek it refers to a penalty handed down after due process shows guilt. Jesus’ sacrifice and atoning blood removes both our guilt and the penalty, which is spiritual death, eternal separation from God. Also read: Hebrews 2:9 and Romans 5:18.
Access to God through Jesus
I long to be near God, I think you do too or you would not be reading this. Jesus gives us access to God, to be able to draw near to Him, to be in His presence and to be able to interact with Him.
In speaking of the Gentiles and the Jews, the writer of the Ephesian letter reveals this truth about Jesus to us in Eph. 2:17-18:
- “And He (Jesus) came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; for through Him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.”
And again, we see this truth in Ephesians 3:12, and Hebrews 10:19:
- “In Him (Jesus) and through faith in Him we may enter God’s presence with boldness and confidence.”
- “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus…”
God’s Handiwork Created in Christ Jesus
When you are feeling that your life has no value, or you have no purpose meditate on this truth – a blessing in Jesus that is found in Ephesians 2:8-10:
- “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”
All who are in Christ through faith have been and are being made new. In Jesus. We are new creations, daily being changed and transformed in character and nature. This truth is confirmed in 2 Cor. 3:18:
- “And we all, with unveiled face (nothing obscuring our sight), beholding the glory (and value) of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (Italics my words)
His Value Is Your Value
There are many other passages in the Bible that reveal what I call the “in, from, by and through Jesus” truths, and these passages showing us Jesus’ value, that we may honor/prize Him.
These truths help me grasp the value of Jesus and open my mind, will and soul to honor Jesus. In valuing Jesus, we begin to understand our value to Him and the Father.
I encourage you to use this article as the starting point for your own study and meditation on this idea of knowing the true value of Jesus and prizing Him.