At the Feet of Jesus

Mary “sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word” (Luke 10:39). That was more than a comfortable place to sit. In Bible times, sitting at someone's feet meant you were that person's student.

A famous teacher. Before Paul followed Jesus, he grew up in Jerusalem. Later he said he had been taught at the feet of Gamaliel, a teacher of God's law (Acts 22:3). The Bible says Gamaliel was “a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people” (Acts 5:34).

What a disciple is. A disciple is a learner who follows a teacher. Jesus' disciples were not only people who knew facts about Him. They spent time with Him, listened to Him and did what He said.

A man set free. One day Jesus crossed the lake and met a man who had been troubled by evil spirits for a long time. He did not live in a house. He lived among the tombs, and no chains could hold him (Luke 8:27-29). Jesus set him free.

Found at His feet. When people from the town came to see what had happened, they found the man “sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind” (Luke 8:35). The man who had been wild and alone was now calm and close to Jesus.

Sent to tell. The man begged to go with Jesus (Luke 8:38). Jesus told him, “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you” (Luke 8:39). He went and told the whole city.

Like the Teacher. Jesus said, “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). Learners who stay at Jesus' feet slowly become more like Him: kind, truthful, brave and loving.

Room for everyone. Mary sat at Jesus' feet in a village home. A man who had lived among the tombs sat there too. Paul learned at Gamaliel's feet and later became one of Jesus' most faithful followers. Jesus welcomes every learner, young or old.

The Teacher who saves. We do not earn a place at Jesus' feet. Jesus died for our sins and rose again, and He says, “the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out” (John 6:37).

What to do. Find your place at Jesus' feet this week. Read a story from one of the Gospels, ask what it shows you about Jesus, and pray about what you learned.

Jesus did not want learners who listened once and then walked away. He wanted disciples who would stay close to Him for the rest of their lives.

Abide in My word. Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32). To abide means to stay, or to keep living in something.

Living in His word. Abiding in Jesus' word means coming back to it again and again, believing it and doing what it says. A real disciple does not hear it once and forget it.

Free. Jesus promised that His truth makes people free. Lies about God, about ourselves and about what will make us happy keep us stuck. The truth Jesus speaks sets us free.

Some walked away. After one hard day of teaching, “many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more” (John 6:66). Jesus asked the twelve if they wanted to go too.

Peter stayed. Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). Peter did not understand everything, but he knew there was no one better to follow.

Chosen to be with Him. When Jesus chose His twelve apostles, the Bible says He chose them first so that they might be with Him, and then to send them out to preach (Mark 3:14). Being with Jesus came before working for Him.

A gentle Teacher. Jesus said, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29). A yoke was a wooden frame that joined two animals so they could work side by side.

Coming back. Every disciple sometimes wanders away. When that happens, come back quickly. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

The Teacher who died for us. Our Teacher is also our Savior. He died for our sins and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). He keeps His learners close, and He never stops teaching them.

What to do. Pick a time each day to stay close to Jesus, even five minutes. Read a few verses, pray, and ask Him to help you do what He says.