We Must See What Jesus Sees

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them…”
(Matt. 9:36)

Have you ever wondered what Jesus “saw” as He looked at the people?

1 Sam. 16:7 tells us:

“God does not see as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

Jesus saw the heart of each individual and He was moved within. He knew that they needed a shepherd. He was able to see their deepest needs and strongest desires. He could hear the cry of their hearts.

Because He is one with the Father, Jesus knew what they needed without looking at them. He knew that each one was created to know and to fellowship with Him eternally. But something about seeing them that day—broke His heart.

Jesus in us (now) can see and meet people’s needs just like He did that day. Do we let Him?

What do you see when you look at “the crowd”?
What are you motivated to do?
Do you see a faceless crowd or do you see hurting, hungry hearts?
Do you look at outward things only, or do you see them as an expression of an inward need?

Look again: is that teenager’s outfit just a rebellious fad, or could it be a cry for love and acceptance? Is that man’s harsh countenance an expression of anger, or could it be the frustration of fruitless efforts to find satisfaction? Is that just an impatient mother or could she be alone, tired and afraid?

God wants us to learn to “see” as He sees, to feel the love that He feels for those who don’t know Him. He wants us to be motivated by what we “see” to let Jesus minister through us.

Will you let God motivate you through what you “see” today? Will you speak a word of encouragement to someone today, to reach out in love to someone you might otherwise avoid?