Come to Worship: Part 4 - "Bow Your Knees" with Craig Groeschel - LifeChurch.tv

Come, Let Us Kneel in Worship

Scripture References

Primary text

• Psalm 95:6-7
• Matthew 2:10-11

Other references

• Mark 10
• Luke 5
• Luke 22:41-42
• Philippians 2:8-11

Overview

Kneeling is the fourth posture in the “Come to Worship” series, joining lifted hands, bringing gifts, and pouring out our hearts. Pastor Craig shows from Scripture—and from the hilarious reality of two-year-olds—that bowing low is a fitting response to the greatness and holiness of God. Whether in pursuit, repentance, or full submission, we are invited to lower ourselves so Christ is lifted high, remembering that one day every knee will bow to Him.

Main Points

The Wise Men: bowing to a toddler King

• Matthew 2 records the magi traveling ~900 miles and “bowing down” when they find Jesus.
• Scholars note Jesus was likely about two years old—making their kneeling even more striking.
• Illustration: Pastor Craig’s comic riff on life with an unruly two-year-old shows how counter-intuitive it is to kneel before a toddler; the magi’s posture highlights Jesus’ divinity, not His size.

Why We Rarely Kneel

• Western culture reserves kneeling for proposals or team photos; it feels awkward in worship.
• Biblical worship language (Hebrew shachah—used 170 ×) actually includes “to bow down low.”
• We hesitate because we underestimate God’s holiness; mortal humans cannot see His full glory and live (Moses & the Holy of Holies example).
• God never commands us to bow to Him; He simply forbids bowing to idols, assuming a clear view of His majesty would move us to kneel voluntarily.

When Should I Kneel? Three Moments

1. Kneel in pursuit – Mark 10

   • Rich young ruler “ran up and fell on his knees” asking how to inherit eternal life.
   • You may not yet follow Christ—kneel and pray, “God, if You’re real, reveal Yourself.”
   • Drawing near positions you to receive God’s answer.

2. Kneel in repentance – Luke 5

   • After the miraculous catch, Peter “fell on his knees” confessing, “I’m too much of a sinner.”
   • Christmas magnifies guilt over sins against God or loved ones; bowing allows honest confession.
   • Jesus never turns away a repentant heart; forgiveness leads to purpose (“catching people”).

3. Kneel in submission – Luke 22:41-42

   • In Gethsemane Jesus “knelt down and prayed,” yielding to the Father: “Not my will but Yours.”
   • Quote:

     “Kneeling to pray is often what gives you the strength to stand.”

   • Like a fighter tapping out, we relinquish control and trust God’s better plan.

Every Knee Will Bow – Philippians 2:8-11

• Jesus humbled Himself to death on a cross; therefore God exalted Him.
• Quote:

  “You can kneel now or you can kneel later, but you’re going to kneel.”

• Voluntary worship today prepares us for the inevitable universal confession: “Jesus Christ is Lord.”

Key Truths

• Genuine worship involves body, heart, and will; kneeling embodies humility before God.
• Seeing God’s holiness clarifies our smallness and invites surrender.
• Pursuit, repentance, and submission are three doorways to life-changing encounters with Christ.
• Jesus Himself modeled kneeling, proving submission is not weakness but obedient strength.
• One way or another, every person will ultimately bow to Jesus’ lordship.

Response

• Set aside private time this week to kneel physically as you pray.
• Confess specific sins and receive Christ’s forgiveness instead of carrying hidden guilt.
• Release the area you keep controlling—pray, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
• Share the truth that Christmas is about a King worth bowing to, not merely a season.
• Memorize Philippians 2:10-11 to keep eternity’s perspective before you.

Closing

Christmas declares a King who left heaven, was born in a manger, and died in our place. God never begs for our posture—He simply shows His glory until bowing makes sense. Today we are invited to bend low in pursuit, repentance, or surrender, discovering the grace that lifts us up.

“Fall on your knees… Christ has come, Christ is Lord.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, forgive me for all of my sins.
Make me brand new. Just as Jesus was born into this world, may He be born in my heart.
I surrender and kneel before You, making You my Savior and my Lord.
My life is not my own—today I give it to You.
Thank You for new life; now You have mine. In Jesus’ name, Amen.