“As Jesus was walking along, he SAW a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me and be my disciple.’ Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him. Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees SAW this, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with such scum?’”
Matthew 9:9-11 NLT
We’ve heard it said, “People see what they want to see.” So, I’m intrigued by what Jesus chose to see when He lived in our world.
For instance, Jesus saw a man named Matthew. However, instead of seeing Matthew as the hated, dishonest tax collector others saw, Jesus saw a man whose life could be changed by Love. He saw a friend, a companion who would one day write His story.
On the other hand, the Pharisees’ eyesight was quite opposite. When they saw Matthew and the people he ate with, they saw scum. Instead of seeing people whose lives love could change, they saw actions they could criticize.
Jesus’ focus was not on the deeds of people, but on the needs of people. Jesus didn’t focus on their race, gender, or status, but on their heart. Jesus saw a rich man, a crippled man, a man born blind. Jesus saw Mary weeping over Lazarus and the woman who touched His garment by faith. Jesus saw the broken, those in danger, those who made excuses, people confused and helpless.
Everywhere He went, as Jesus was walking along, He saw people. No matter their past, Jesus saw hope for their future—by His love.
As I walk along in life, what do I see…
Color and character to criticize or people who can change by miracles of Love?
