Here is a quick description of the honor-shame dynamic that I call “body language”.
In the world of the Ancient Near East and Roman Empire the most honorable parts of the body were considered to be the head, face and hands. One of the most shameful body parts was considered to be the feet.
One of the most significant theological expressions of this honor-shame dynamic relates to a psalm of David in which he prophesies of the future reign of Israel’s Messiah-King. .
The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool” (Psalm 110:1).
This verse speaks of the supreme honor of Jesus Christ—and is referenced in the synoptic Gospels, in Acts, in four of Paul’s letters, four times in the book of Hebrews, and 1 Peter. The sheer frequency of the reference signals to us its theological weightiness. Click here to watch the video on Vimeo.
Learn more—free chapter from The Global Gospel on the honor-shame dynamic of “body language”
The free resource available with this post is an excerpt from The Global Gospel—Chapter 2.6: Honor/Shame Dynamic #6: Body Language. The chapter is four pages long. Explore how “right hand” and “feet” speak of the supreme honor of King Jesus and his conquest over his enemies.
Enjoy the next quick video: “Body language”.
