In those days, falling at someone’s feet was a symbol of humility and depicted an understanding of the authority of the one to whom you were displaying submission, among other things.

 

In the passage above, the synagogue ruler’s great need drove him to a man who had performed great miracles. The ruler’s heart was earnest, his words pleading. And Jesus responded to that faith and healed his daughter.

 

In Luke 17:15-16, Jesus healed 10 men who suffered from leprosy. Only one came back, and a Samaritan at that. All he could do was fall at Jesus’ feet in gratitude.

 

Similarly, the woman who had been subject to bleeding for 12 years and believed that Jesus could heal her, did the same thing when she was the recipient of Jesus’ healing power. (Mark 5:33)

 

Moreover, when the Apostle John encountered the Risen Christ in a vision at Patmos, he fell at his feet as though dead. (Revelation 1:17)

 

What of the sinful woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her hair and extremely valuable perfume? That woman, too, understood who she was dealing with. The Bible reveals that she stood behind him, weeping at his feet. Then she began to wet Jesus’ feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair, kissed them and, finally, poured perfume on them. (Luke 7:36-50)

 

That night, Jesus found himself reclining at Simon, a Pharisee’s house. Though a man of religious standing, he had not even supplied water for Jesus’ feet – a standard courtesy at the time. It is in powerful contrast to this woman, who had no religious standing, and had questionable morals.

 

From these accounts, it would appear that the ones who recognised their need, and who received healing and forgiveness from Jesus, knew the only way to respond was at the feet of their Master. Conversely, here we find someone within the religious system who appears to be somewhat ambivalent.

 

How much do you revere and love Jesus? Are you at his feet in humility or is your heart hardened by rules and religious traditions? You know how to do the “right things”, but you barely find time to pray or read his Word for guidance. I am challenged. Are you?

 

Prayer: Lord, help us to recognise your authority and Lordship. Help us ever to be delighted to find ourselves at your feet, serving the Master. Amen.