Seeing People

Scripture – Matthew 9:35-38: ³⁵Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. ³⁶When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. ³⁸Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) One of the amazing things about Jesus is the compassion He genuinely feels for people. I’m not very good at that. At this time of the year, for example, I try to avoid crowds. And when I’m out in a crowd, I look for a private space in the middle of it. It’s only when I remember Christ that I can let myself feel compassion for a crowd. It’s amazing what a difference that will make in a crowded store.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will look for people today. I will see individuals. I will avoid blanking people out as just part of a crowd.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, give me eyes and ears and a heart like yours today. Show me the people today. Teach me to care about them as the unique individuals they are – people created and loved by you. I’m sorry for seeing them sometimes as obstacles that slow me down. As you have loved me, teach me to love others. Thank you.