At the Feet of Jesus

By Rev. Dr. E. E. James

Read: John 12:1-8:

Mary of Bethany is presented three times in the Bible. Every time we find her at the “Feet of Jesus”. Was it a strange coincidence or was it her favorite place? She had a special relationship with Lord Jesus.

In the first instance, we find “Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said” (Luke 10:39). She loved to sit at His feet and hear His voice and hear His words. She was eager to have fellowship with the Lord. His words have power and life eternal. Jesus is the greatest Teacher that world has ever known. “The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law” (Mark 1:22). He can be our Teacher too.

Secondly, “Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet” (John 11:32). She “fell at Jesus’ feet” in her sorrow and bewilderment. With tear filled eyes, shaking voice and an aching heart, she cried out, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." In this moving passage we read that “When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled”.  “Jesus wept” (John 11:32-35). Her devotion and faith touched the compassionate heart of Jesus. He raised her brother from among the dead by performing a miracle. Jesus has the willingness and the ability to help us in our direst need and desperate situations.

Thirdly, we find Mary at the feet of Jesus in humble adoration and gratitude (John 12:1-8).  “Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume” (John 12:3). She expressed her gratitude in a unique way. She spent all she had and sacrificially gave her thank offering in the form of that costly perfume. Similarly, we should not forget the blessings and benefits we receive from the Lord. We must always be grateful to God for what He has done for us.  “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess 5:16-18). Do we thank the Lord for His benefits and blessings? Or do we ignore or forget? Just like Mary of Bethany, our place is always at the feet of Jesus.

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, in times of adversities and needs, in times of my sorrows and troubles, in times of my sickness and pain, I hasten to Thy feet seeking refuge, comfort, forgiveness and healing. Help me to walk in your footsteps. In Jesus’ name, Amen.