“And they did all, both they who had been healed and they who were whole, bow down at his [Jesus’] feet, and did worship him; and as many as could come for the multitude did kiss his feet, insomuch that they did bathe his feet with their tears.” – 3 Nephi 17:10
In 3 Nephi 17:10, we read of a moving scene where Jesus Christ, after healing the afflicted and blessing the multitudes, is met with an overwhelming display of love and reverence. The people, both those healed and those already whole, bowed at His feet in worship. So great was their gratitude that those who could reach Him kissed His feet, even bathing them with their tears. This beautiful moment captures the essence of true worship—an expression of deep humility, love, and recognition of the Saviour’s divine power.
There is something deeply human about this scene. Here we see the people acknowledging not only the miracles He performed but the very nature of who He is. They are overcome with the realisation that they stand in the presence of the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world. It is a moment of pure worship, free from pretension or pride, where the only fitting response is to bow before the One who has power to heal both body and soul. This scene is not only a testament to Christ’s divine authority but also to the intimacy of His relationship with each of us. Those gathered that day knew they were in the presence of their Saviour—and they could do nothing but offer their hearts and souls in return.
Elder Neal A. Maxwell, in a powerful testimony of the Saviour, spoke of the many titles and roles by which Christ is known. “Whether descriptively designated as Creator, Only Begotten Son, Prince of Peace, Advocate, Mediator, Son of God, Saviour, Messiah, Author and Finisher of Salvation, King of Kings—I witness that Jesus Christ is the only name under heaven whereby one can be saved!…I testify that He is utterly incomparable in what He is, what He knows, what He has accomplished, and what He has experienced. Yet, movingly, He calls us His friends. (See John 15:15.)” (Ensign, Nov. 1981) Christ’s majesty and divinity are beyond compare. Maxwell’s testimony reinforces the truth that Jesus Christ is utterly unique, incomparable in His love, wisdom, and sacrifice. This is the miracle of His ministry—He who holds all power in heaven and earth invites us to come unto Him, not as mere subjects, but as beloved companions.
Such a relationship calls for an act of deep devotion. We are not merely passive observers of Christ’s majesty. We are invited, as the people in 3 Nephi were, to worship Him with our whole hearts. In this sacred act of worship, we acknowledge that it is in His name alone that we find salvation.
“Behold, Jesus Christ is the name which is given of the Father, and there is none other name given whereby man can be saved; Wherefore, all men must take upon them the name which is given of the Father, for in that name shall they be called at the last day; wherefore, if they know not the name by which they are called, they cannot have place in the kingdom of my Father.” (D&C 18:23-25) If we do not know Him—truly know Him and the power of His atoning grace—how can we hope to stand in the presence of the Father? Christ’s name is not just a title, it is the gateway to eternal life. The Scriptures make clear that all must take upon themselves His name if they hope to find a place in the Kingdom of God.
Worship is not an external act alone but a deep, internal transformation. It is a recognition of our dependence upon our Saviour and a humble offering of our love, gratitude, and obedience. Like those who bowed at the feet of Jesus in ancient times, we too are invited to draw near unto Him, offering all that we are in return for the blessings of healing, peace, and salvation that only He can bestow. The act of bowing before Christ, whether figuratively or literally, is symbolic of yielding our will to His. It is an acknowledgement that without Him, we are lost. However, through Jesus, we are found, healed, and made whole. The world in which we live is mostly focused on materialism and individualism; with that in mind, genuine worship helps us remember that true strength and peace come from laying our burdens at the feet of the Saviour and trusting in His infinite grace.
We live in a time when the name of Jesus Christ is often spoken casually or without the reverence it deserves. Yet the Scriptures are clear—“there is none other name given whereby man can be saved” (D&C 18:23). His name is holy. To take upon us His name is to commit to live as He lived, to serve as He served, and to love as He loved. It is to acknowledge that without Him, we cannot return to the presence of the Father.
May each of us, like those in 3 Nephi, come unto Christ with humble hearts. May we bow before Him in worship, not only in moments of trial and need but every day, recognising that it is in His name we find redemption. As we take upon us His name and strive to know Him, we can be assured of our place in His kingdom, for His name is the very key to eternal life.
In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
