Finding Transformation and Peace at Jesus' Feet

Summary

The most blessed and transformative place in life is at the feet of Jesus. This is where humility, mercy, forgiveness, and true worship are found. The story of the sinful woman in Luke 7 shows that no matter how great our sins, when we humble ourselves before Jesus, we find complete forgiveness and are welcomed into His presence. The contrast between the self-righteous Pharisee and the broken woman reminds us that it is not our religious performance but our posture of humility and need that draws the mercy of God.

At the feet of Jesus, we also discover the importance of priorities. Like Mary in Luke 10, who chose to sit and listen to Jesus while Martha was distracted by serving, we are reminded that the most important appointment we have each day is to linger in His presence. The world offers endless distractions and urgent tasks, but nothing is more vital than spending time with Jesus, hearing His word, and letting Him shape our hearts.

The feet of Jesus are also a place of gratitude and praise. The healed leper in Luke 17 returned to give thanks, showing us that worship and thanksgiving should be the natural response to God’s goodness, even in the midst of suffering or loss. We are called to give thanks in all circumstances, trusting that God is working all things for our good and His purposes.

In times of pain, loss, or confusion, like Mary at the tomb of Lazarus, we find that Jesus meets us with deep compassion. He is not distant from our suffering but enters into it with us, weeping with those who weep and bringing hope even in the face of death. Our trials are not wasted; God uses them to refine us, drawing us closer to Himself and shaping us into His likeness.

Finally, being at the feet of Jesus is a place of reverence and surrender. Like John in Revelation, we are called to recognize Jesus as the sovereign Lord, the One who holds the keys to life and death. True peace and freedom come when we dethrone ourselves and let Jesus rule in every area of our lives. In this place, we find healing, compassion, praise, and the assurance of our salvation through His sacrifice.

Key Takeaways

- Mercy and Forgiveness Flow from Humility
The sinful woman’s act of washing Jesus’ feet with her tears demonstrates that the greatest mercy is found when we come to Jesus in humility, acknowledging our need for forgiveness. It is not our religious status or good works that secure God’s favor, but a broken and contrite heart. No sin is too great for His grace when we come honestly before Him. [07:21]

- Lingering at Jesus’ Feet is Life’s Highest Priority
Mary’s choice to sit at Jesus’ feet, even when there was much to do, reveals that intimacy with Christ must come before all other responsibilities. The world will always offer urgent distractions, but only one thing is truly needed: to be with Jesus, listen to His voice, and let Him reorder our hearts. This daily appointment is the foundation for a life of peace and purpose. [13:15]

- Thanksgiving in All Circumstances Transforms the Soul
The healed leper’s return to thank Jesus shows that gratitude is not just a response to blessing, but a discipline that shapes our perspective in every season. Even in suffering or loss, we are called to give thanks—not for the pain itself, but for God’s presence and faithfulness within it. This posture of praise brings hope and guards our hearts against despair. [23:15]

- God’s Compassion Meets Us in Our Suffering
When Mary grieved the loss of her brother, Jesus wept with her, showing that He is deeply moved by our pain. Yet, He also sees the bigger picture and uses our trials to refine us, drawing out the “dregs” and making us more like Him. Our suffering is not meaningless; it is a place where God’s love and purpose are revealed in ways we may not understand until eternity. [32:58]

- Reverence and Surrender Bring True Freedom
John’s vision of the glorified Christ in Revelation calls us to a holy reverence and surrender. Jesus alone is worthy to rule our lives; when we dethrone ourselves and let Him lead, fear and anxiety lose their grip. True peace comes from recognizing His sovereignty and trusting Him with every detail of our lives, knowing that He is both powerful and good. [43:53]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:04] - The Sinful Woman: Mercy at Jesus’ Feet
[03:37] - The Pharisee’s Judgment and Jesus’ Response
[06:11] - The Parable of the Two Debtors
[07:21] - Forgiveness and Love
[10:16] - God’s Patience and the Call to Repentance
[12:37] - Mary and Martha: Priorities at Jesus’ Feet
[13:15] - The One Thing Needed
[16:26] - Setting Spiritual Priorities
[18:57] - The Ten Lepers: Healing and Thanksgiving
[20:55] - The Grateful Samaritan
[23:15] - Thanksgiving in All Circumstances
[24:10] - Hope and Praise in Depression
[32:58] - Compassion in Suffering: The Death of Lazarus
[43:53] - Reverence and Surrender at Jesus’ Feet
[52:34] - Communion and Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: At the Feet of Jesus

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### Bible Reading

- Luke 7:36-50 – The sinful woman anoints Jesus’ feet
- Luke 10:38-42 – Mary and Martha: choosing to sit at Jesus’ feet
- Luke 17:11-19 – The ten lepers and the one who returned to give thanks
- John 11:28-44 – Mary at Jesus’ feet after Lazarus’ death
- Revelation 1:9-18 – John falls at Jesus’ feet in awe

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### Observation Questions

1. In Luke 7, what actions did the sinful woman take at Jesus’ feet, and how did the Pharisee respond to her?
[[02:04]]

2. When Jesus visited Mary and Martha in Luke 10, what was the difference in how each sister responded to His presence?
[[12:37]]

3. In the story of the ten lepers (Luke 17), what did the one healed leper do that the others did not?
[[20:55]]

4. How did Jesus respond to Mary’s grief at Lazarus’ tomb in John 11?
[[32:58]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. What does the story of the sinful woman teach about the connection between humility, forgiveness, and love?
[[07:21]]

2. Why do you think Jesus said that “one thing is needed” when Martha was busy serving, and what does that reveal about spiritual priorities?
[[13:15]]

3. The healed leper returned to give thanks at Jesus’ feet. What does this show about the role of gratitude in our relationship with God, especially in hard times?
[[23:15]]

4. When Mary grieved at Jesus’ feet, Jesus wept with her. What does this reveal about how God responds to our pain and suffering?
[[32:58]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sinful woman’s humility led to forgiveness and mercy. Is there an area in your life where you need to humble yourself before Jesus and ask for His mercy? What’s holding you back?
[[07:21]]

2. Jesus told Martha that only “one thing is needed.” What are some distractions or “urgent” things in your life that keep you from spending time at Jesus’ feet? What practical step could you take this week to make time with Jesus your top priority?
[[13:15]]

3. The healed leper returned to thank Jesus, even though the others did not. When was the last time you intentionally thanked God for something, even in a difficult season? How can you build a habit of gratitude in your daily life?
[[23:15]]

4. Mary brought her pain and questions to Jesus’ feet, and He met her with compassion. Are you carrying any grief, confusion, or disappointment right now? What would it look like to bring those honestly to Jesus in prayer?
[[32:58]]

5. John fell at Jesus’ feet in awe and surrender. Is there an area of your life where you are still “on the throne” instead of letting Jesus lead? What would it mean for you to surrender that area to Him this week?
[[43:53]]

6. The sermon talked about giving thanks “in all circumstances.” Is there a current struggle or loss where you find it hard to be thankful? How might trusting God’s bigger picture help you respond differently?
[[23:15]]

7. The pastor said, “The most important appointment you have each day is to linger in His presence.” What is one specific way you can make this a reality in your daily routine?
[[13:15]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to spend a few moments in silent prayer, bringing their needs, gratitude, and surrender to Jesus’ feet. Then close by thanking Jesus for His mercy, compassion, and presence.

Devotional

Day 1: Mercy and Forgiveness at the Feet of Jesus
At the feet of Jesus, we find a place of deep mercy and forgiveness, no matter how great our sins may be. The story of the sinful woman who wept at Jesus’ feet, washing them with her tears and anointing them with oil, shows the power of humble repentance and the overwhelming grace that Jesus extends to those who come to Him in faith. Her love was great because she knew how much she had been forgiven, and Jesus declared her sins forgiven, reminding us that no one is beyond the reach of His mercy. When we humble ourselves before Him, acknowledging our need, He freely forgives and restores us, inviting us to experience the joy of being made right with God. [07:21]

Luke 7:38-48 (ESV)
"and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, 'If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.' And Jesus answering said to him, 'Simon, I have something to say to you.' And he answered, 'Say it, Teacher.' 'A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?' Simon answered, 'The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.' And he said to him, 'You have judged rightly.' Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, 'Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.'"

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you need to humble yourself before Jesus and receive His mercy and forgiveness today?


Day 2: Linger at the Feet of Jesus—The Priority of His Presence
Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, listening to His words, while Martha was distracted by many tasks. Jesus gently reminded Martha that only one thing is truly needed: to linger in His presence and hear His voice. In a world full of distractions and urgent demands, the most important appointment we can keep each day is to spend time with Jesus, prioritizing His presence above all else. When we make space to be still before Him, we are refreshed, strengthened, and shaped into His likeness, finding the peace and direction we need for everything else in life. [13:15]

Luke 10:39-42 (ESV)
"And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, 'Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.' But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'"

Reflection: What is one practical way you can set aside time today to linger at Jesus’ feet, making His presence your top priority?


Day 3: Praise and Thanksgiving at His Feet
The one healed leper who returned to Jesus fell at His feet, glorifying God and giving thanks. This act of gratitude stands in contrast to the nine who did not return, reminding us that a life of praise and thanksgiving is the will of God for us, even in the midst of trials or suffering. When we come to Jesus with a heart of gratitude, acknowledging all He has done, we are transformed by His presence and our faith is strengthened. Giving thanks in all circumstances, not just for the good but even in the hard times, opens our hearts to God’s peace and joy. [23:15]

Luke 17:15-19 (ESV)
"Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, 'Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?' And he said to him, 'Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.'"

Reflection: What is one specific thing—big or small—that you can thank Jesus for today, even if your circumstances are difficult?


Day 4: The Feet of Jesus—A Place of Compassion and Healing
When Mary fell at Jesus’ feet after the death of her brother Lazarus, Jesus was deeply moved and wept with her, showing His compassion and understanding of our pain. At His feet, we find a Savior who cares deeply for us, who enters into our suffering, and who uses even our trials to refine us and draw us closer to Himself. He is not distant or indifferent; He is present in our grief and works through our afflictions to bring about greater good and deeper faith. [30:45]

John 11:32-36 (ESV)
"Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, 'Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.' When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, 'Where have you laid him?' They said to him, 'Lord, come and see.' Jesus wept. So the Jews said, 'See how he loved him!'"

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to bring your pain or sorrow to Jesus, trusting that He cares and is present with you?


Day 5: Reverence—Letting Jesus Be on the Throne
When John saw the glorified Jesus, he fell at His feet as though dead, overwhelmed by awe and reverence. To be at the feet of Jesus is to recognize His authority, His sovereignty, and to surrender our own control, letting Him truly be Lord of our lives. There is no room for two on the throne—Jesus alone must rule. When we put Him in His rightful place, fear and worry lose their grip, and we find peace in knowing that He is the one who holds the keys to life and death. [43:53]

Revelation 1:17-18 (ESV)
"When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, 'Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.'"

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you are still trying to be in control? What would it look like to surrender that area to Jesus and let Him be on the throne today?

Quotes

Therefore, I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven. For she loved much, but to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little. And so here we see this beautiful picture, a place of mercy. Mercy means not getting what you deserve. A place of forgiveness where Jesus, as he said on the cross before he died to tell us, die. It is finished, paid in full. He did it all. [00:07:41] (00:00:35 seconds) Edit Clip

He forgives all your iniquities all your iniquities that means just absolute rebellion knowing that you shouldn't do something and you do it anyway he forgives all of them he heals all your diseases and talking about you know not just listen and can I just say this first of all about physical diseases everyone is going to be healed he heals all your diseases know I'm not a name it and claim it we don't believe that everybody will be healed in this life but one way or another we will be healed [00:26:38] (00:00:35 seconds) Edit Clip

God cares about you he loves you he weeps with you he cares about what's going on in your life but those things that are going on are necessary oh Lord if you had been here he wouldn't have died yes and he wouldn't have been raised from the dead right that whole thing that happened through Lazarus life would not have happened unless there was the tragedy that happened before the glorious praise given to God and the actions of the Almighty God would not have been there unless there was pain and suffering and so we have to remember pain and suffering and dying and all of these things are necessary [00:32:02] (00:00:44 seconds) Edit Clip

Who's the boss in your life are you the boss are you the one that calls the shots in your life Jesus is that he's at the feet of Jesus and Jesus is being shown on the throne in heaven on the throne the reality of that Jesus is on the throne of this world that he is the king of kings and the lord of lords he is the sovereign God he is God and we're not we need to put him on the throne and dethrone ourselves it has to happen there's not room no matter how thin you may be there's no room on the throne for two it must be Jesus [00:43:53] (00:00:56 seconds) Edit Clip

All kinds of fear will come off of you when he when Jesus is on the throne of your life all kinds of worry will melt away when Jesus is on your cause you know what there's some worrisome things that you guys are probably totally unaware Julie my wife my kids sometimes know about these things but there are things that come up in ministry and you just like if you know in times past I have fell for it because I wasn't recognizing I was thinking I'm the pastor this is my church to deal with and I've got the problems and I've got to deal with what's gonna happen and I'm all you know really concerned and you know worried about everything and what the future's gonna lie but God would keep telling me whose church is it who's the head of the church that's right that's those aren't just words it's Jesus who is the head of the church it's his body it's his work it's his worry and so I've found great relief in understanding that great relief in putting him on the throne and realizing in everything in my life it's not my choice it's not for me to make that determination [00:45:19] (00:01:24 seconds) Edit Clip

If we will bow our knee to Jesus Christ he will forgive us for all of those things it is a place of praise and thanksgiving for everything that he has done where have you been in that is it only that we pray when we have a problem it's good to pray for our problems but let's pray also for our thanksgivings let's give the Lord praise it's a place notice to linger it's a place that we have an appointment the most important appointment in our life every day is to be at the feet of Jesus don't be too busy to be there and then lastly a place of mercy and forgiveness [00:47:14] (00:00:40 seconds) Edit Clip

He who has the son has life he who does not have the son of God does not have life this I've written to you who believe in the name of the son of God so that you may know that you're saved how do I know it because the blood of Jesus Christ I have the son and because I have the son his blood has washed away my sins and your sin all those promises are mine I know this you see the word there for know is to know experientially do you know that you're saved experientially if you don't if you don't please come talk to me afterwards I'd love to pray with you to receive the Lord today to know him personally [00:50:46] (00:00:48 seconds) Edit Clip