At the Feet of Jesus: Finding Healing, Forgiveness, and Purpose

At the Feet of Jesus: Finding Healing, Forgiveness, and Purpose
In our busy lives, we often find ourselves worried and upset about many things. But what if we could simplify our focus? What if there was just one thing – one place – from which everything else stems? That place is at the feet of Jesus.

The image of Jesus' feet may seem more approachable than His crowned head or His glorified presence in heaven. His feet walked the dusty roads of earth, mingling with common people in everyday places. Yet even as we contemplate this more relatable aspect of Christ, we discover there is still profound mystery and power to be found there.
Throughout scripture, we see numerous accounts of people encountering Jesus at His feet. These stories reveal a pattern of transformation that still holds true for us today. Let's explore what happens when we humble ourselves and come to the feet of our Saviour.

Instruction and Freedom
In Luke 8, we read about a man who had been possessed by demons. After Jesus cast out the evil spirits, the townspeople found the man "sitting at Jesus' feet, dressed and in his right mind." This man who had been chained and living among tombs was now peacefully learning from Christ. Jesus then instructed him, "Return home and tell how much God has done for you."

At the feet of Jesus, we find sound teaching that sets us free from the chains that once bound us. As we listen and learn from Him, our minds are renewed and we discover our purpose – to go and share the good news of all He has done.

Confession and Forgiveness
One of the most poignant scenes in scripture takes place at a Pharisee's house where Jesus was dining. A woman known for her sinful lifestyle boldly approached Jesus, weeping at His feet. She wet His feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and poured expensive perfume on them.

While others saw only her shame, Jesus saw her heart. He declared her many sins forgiven because of her great love, saying, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." This woman found the courage to bring her brokenness before Christ, and she left transformed by His mercy.

At the feet of Jesus, we can pour out our deepest regrets and failures. We need not hide our sin or wallow in shame. His promise in John 6:37 stands firm: "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out." When we humble ourselves in honest confession, we rise cleansed by His forgiveness.

Worship and Reverence
After Christ's resurrection, we see His followers overcome with awe as they encounter Him. Matthew 28 describes how the women who discovered the empty tomb met Jesus on their way to tell the disciples. "They came to him, clasped his feet and worshipped him."
Similarly, when John saw the glorified Christ in his vision on Patmos, he "fell at his feet as though dead." Jesus responded by placing His right hand on John and saying, "Do not be afraid."

At the feet of Jesus, we find the perfect place to express our adoration and reverence. As we bow before His majesty, any fear melts away in the warmth of His presence. True worship flows from recognising who He is and who we are in light of Him.

Submission and Trust
Mark's gospel tells us of Jairus, a synagogue leader whose daughter was deathly ill. Setting aside his position and pride, Jairus "fell at Jesus' feet" pleading for help. This act of desperate submission opened the door for Christ's miraculous power.

Likewise, when Mary and Martha sent word that their brother Lazarus was sick, Mary later "fell at his feet" in grief when Jesus arrived after Lazarus had died. Even in her pain and questioning, she brought her sorrow to Christ in a posture of trust.
At the feet of Jesus, we learn to surrender our own agendas, timetables, and understanding. As we submit ourselves fully to Him, we make space for His power to work in ways far beyond what we could ask or imagine.

Healing and Restoration
Matthew 15 paints a vivid picture of Jesus' ministry: "Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them."

People recognised that all their brokenness belonged at Jesus' feet. Whether physical ailments, emotional wounds, or spiritual oppression – Christ has the power to make us whole. His feet became a place of refuge for the hurting, a place where compassion flowed freely and needs were miraculously met.

At the feet of Jesus, we can bring every area of brokenness in our lives. Nothing is too difficult for Him to heal or restore. We come in our weakness and find His strength.

An Invitation to His Feet
The beautiful truth is that Jesus' feet are not just a historical concept. He invites us to come to Him today, to lay our burdens down and find rest for our souls. But this invitation requires a response from us:

• Can we truly see what the Lord is doing in our lives? Are we paying attention to His movement and guidance?
• Will we trust His feet enough to commit our heaviest burdens there? Can we let go of trying to control everything ourselves?
• Are we willing to tell Him our whole truth – no holding back or hiding our mess?
• Can we break open our most precious resources – our time, talents, treasures – and "waste" them on worship, like the woman with her alabaster jar?
• Will we exchange our self-righteousness and pride for His perfect righteousness and beauty?

Jesus demonstrated the heart of a servant when He washed His disciples' feet. After receiving cleansing and transformation at His feet, we are called to go and do likewise – humbly serving others in His name.

Today, His feet await you. Whatever you're carrying – fear, shame, sickness, sorrow – bring it to Jesus. Sit at His feet and listen. Pour out your heart in worship. Allow His teaching to renew your mind. Receive His healing touch.

In a world of constant noise and endless distractions, we need the "one thing" that matters most. May we learn to linger at the feet of Jesus, for it is there we find all we truly need.