1. In the Old Testament

The narratives.

Adam and Eve (Genesis 3)– God didn’t strike with lightening, but walked in the garden

Sarah (Gen 18) – God appeared to her with sore feet, and ate her food

Jacob (Gen 32)– God restrained his strength so that he never pinned Jacob

Nation of Israel – not one of the great Empires of the Ancient World. Simply not in the same category as Egypt, Babylon, Persia, Greece or Rome

His Declarations – I dwell with the bowed down in Spirit, with the contrite and broken hearted (Psalm 34, Isaiah 61, 57)

But what about those passages where God demands: Only worship me?

He does not demand anthing he does not deserve.

More importantly, God knows that worshipping anything else will destroy you. I know physicians who diagnose cancer. Their speech can sound rather exclusive: “Don’t ignore this, don’t research it on the internet, don’t seek alternatives. I can heal this, let me.”

1. In the New Testament

The Birth of Christ – Who found out about it? Who was there?

The Life and miracles of Christ

His first miracle was witnessed by only the slaves. (John 2)

All of his miracles were followed by the warning, tell no one about this.

His direct teaching was: I am meek and lowly of heart. (Matthew 11:29)

Christ washing the disciples feet (John 13) – This beautiful story begins with a prelude: After dinner, when Jesus knew that all things had been given to his hand, knowing he had come from the father and that he was returning to the father, got up from the table.

At this point Jesus was absolutely convinced of his deity. So he chose to do something that would demonstrate his deity perfectly. He wanted the disciples to know once and for all the heart of God. So he took off his clothes, dressed as a slave, and washed their feet.