A Necessary Prerequisite For "Sitting At Jesus' Feet"

As faithful followers of our Lord, we must be willing to “sit at Jesus’ feet” like Mary in order to receive His instructions (Luke 10:39; cf. Matthew 7:24; 1 John 3:22). In this “sitting,” there is a submission of our will to His will (Matthew 7:21; Luke 22:42; cf. John 5:30; John 6:38). Like Mary, we must develop a “singleness” of heart, knowing that “one thing is needful” rather than the multiple cares and distractions of this life (Luke 10:40-42).

None who “hunger and thirst for righteousness” at Jesus’ feet will go unfilled (Matthew 5:6). However, the one “seldom-gets-to-Bible class” and “never-studies-at-home” kind of church member, makes a mockery of "sitting at Jesus’ feet.” In fact, the meaning of this figure is completely lost on these folks.

Only when we deny ourselves, entrusting our soul to Jesus’ power and control, are we then truly “sitting at Jesus’ feet” (cf. Matthew 16:24; Gal. 2:20; Romans 6:6). We are then His to use as a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1) and a “bondservant” or “slave” (1 Corinthians 7:22 ASV; 1 Corinthians 7:22).

Dear reader, in order to be faithful followers of Christ, we must be willing to fully submit our lives to the Lord (Philippians 3:7-10; cf. Romans 10:1-3), remembering this as a necessary prerequisite in order to truly “sit at Jesus’ feet.”

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets