In Matthew 9, I was amazed by the way that Jesus saw and interacted with very different people. It also makes me think about how I see people and respond to them.
- A paralytic man: This man was an invalid and he needed friends to bring him to Jesus. Jesus first responded by saying that his sins were forgiven. Jesus knew that the man's biggest need was to be in right relationship with God. That was more important than walking. Jesus did heal him physically, but that was secondary to the man's spiritual health. Do I, do we, look at only the physical needs of people or are we more concerned about their spiritual health?
- Tax collectors and sinners: Jesus "reclined at table" with these people. He even called one of them, Matthew, to be his disciple. He spent time with those who were viewed as "dirty" by the religious leaders due to their occupations and actions. Jesus looked past the outward appearance to their hearts. He was intentional about building relationships with them, not just giving money to a charity or passing them by on the street . Am I intentional about building relationships with those around me whom I would consider "unclean" due to life style, socioeconomic status, or political leanings? Do I look past the outward appearance and see that they are people made in God's image, just like me, who need Jesus, just like me?
- Pharisees: Jesus knew the hearts of these men who claimed to be religiously pure. These self-righteous people are the only ones in this chapter who receive criticism from Jesus. Jesus saw that their "purity" was only outward and they did not truly love and act in the ways that God had commanded. Am I willing to confront my self-righteous tendencies so that my heart and motives are pure?
- Disciples of John the Baptist: These men came with questions for Jesus. Jesus saw their desire to learn and he met them and answered their questions. Do I take the time to truly listen to the questions of those around me so that we can learn the truths about Jesus?
- Jairus: Jairus was a ruler, which meant he would have had wealth and a lot of influence. Jesus was not enamored by the position that Jarius held. Instead he saw the heart of a father who was broken, grieving the loss of his child. Jesus saw humility in Jairus as he came to plead his daughter's case. Jesus was his only hope! Do I have eyes to see the broken and hurting so that I can offer them Jesus, our only hope?
- A woman who had been bleeding for 12 years: This woman was lonely and outcast because of her physical condition. Jesus did not see her this way. He calls her "daughter," giving her dignity and family connection with him, along with physical healing! Do I treat the lonely and outcast with dignity and love?
- Two blind men: These men could not see physically, but the had good sight spiritually. They cried out for mercy from the one who could provide it. Jesus saw the faith of these men and healed them. Do I see those around me who are crying out for help and respond with the answer of Jesus, or do I ignore cries of help because it takes too much effort to reach out?
- A demon-possessed man: This man was mute and he had to have other people bring him to Jesus. Only Jesus could heal him, but he needed help to realize this. Am I willing to be bold and to bring people who are bound in darkness to meet Jesus?
- The crowd: Matthew says that the crowd was "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Jesus saw this and responded with compassion. In his compassion he sent the disciples out as laborers in the harvest field. Am I, as a follower of Jesus, seeing the hopeless people of the world with compassion? Am I sharing the true hope of Jesus?
Invalid. Sinners. Dirty. Self-righteous. Questioning. Broken. Grieving. Outcast. Harassed. Helpless.
We all can fit into one or more of these categories throughout our lives. Jesus saw all these people. He sees you, wherever you are. Jesus gave them time and attention. He met their true needs and called them to a better place, a place of true joy and life. He can meet you. All you need to do is to go to Him and ask for his help.
After we have met Jesus, we must learn to be more like him. No one will ever be able to respond perfectly as Jesus did. However, we can be continually asking God to help us see people as he does so that we may take part in bringing His life to those who are "harassed and helpless." May we have eyes to see as Jesus sees!
