Sitting At His Feet

“Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and HEARD HIS WORD. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him and said, LORD, doest thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)

This scripture refers to a tradition of the time it was written. In those days scholars of the scripture would travel from town to town teaching. People along the way would welcome the teachers and their followers into their home. Those wishing to hear the teaching would sit at the feet of rabbi to learn from him.

In Acts Paul proclaims that he had learned "at the feet of Gemaliel. This was what Mary was doing. She wasn't just relaxing and socializing as her sister prepared the food. She was sitting at the feet of Christ as He taught His disciples.

Can you imagine literally sitting at the feet of Jesus? How can we today "sit at the feet of Jesus"? We sit at His feet when we read God's Word, when we pray, when we worship in spirit and truth.

I remember a hymn from my childhood. I never enjoyed singing it. It was so slow and not a tune I really liked But the words! What meaning in the words of this old hymn. How life changing it is to sit at the feet of Jesus.



1. Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
Oh, what words I hear Him say!
Happy place! so near, so precious!
May it find me there each day;
Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
I would look upon the past;
For His love has been so gracious,
It has won my heart at last.
2. Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
Where can mortal be more blest?
There I lay my sins and sorrows,
And, when weary, find sweet rest;
Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
There I love to weep and pray;
While I from His fullness gather
Grace and comfort every day.
3. Bless me, O my Savior, bless me,
As *I sit low at Thy feet; [*I’m waiting]
Oh, look down in love upon me,
Let me see Thy face so sweet;
Give me, Lord, the mind of Jesus,
Keep me holy as He is;
May I prove I’ve been with Jesus,
Who is all my righteousness.