One of the things that I really truly appreciate about Jesus – is that he looked and saw what was happening around him.
He was alerted to his conditions…
He saw things that other people seemingly ignored.
As a matter of fact, 138 times in the four different gospel traditions – Jesus – is reported as “seeing.”
He was watching.
He noticed things.
He was a “seer.” He checked things out!
But it was “how” he saw things – that really blows me away.
Apparently, he saw both the person and the condition.
He saw the potential that was there, as well as the “present manifestation.”
He didn’t just look.
He “saw” things…
He looked and saw “future possibilities.”
And of course, the thing that I really appreciate the most is – he saw without prejudice.
He saw the “reality” of the person.
And as he looked and as he saw, he saw with “unconditional acceptance.”
He saw with an “appreciation” for the person and not their problem (if you will.)
Jesus saw “obvious potential” and “not just limitations.”
The way the scriptures tell it, he obviously looked and saw things far more clearly – than you or I.
I appreciate that.
I think it is also a fair assessment to say, that when he looked and saw, he did so with compassion.
Ah, if only, we could see things more clearly! And, with compassion…
How awesome that would be!
Something like 90% of all Americans believe in God or believe in some kind of a higher power.
Most everyone believes God exists.
“Does God exist?” is not the question.
The tougher question for many is, “Does God care about me?”
And unfortunately, for a lot of people – the answer is a resounding, “No!”
They may believe he cares about you and you and you…
But I do not think that he cares that much about me personally.
For too many people, they were taught and believed, that God is vengeful, judgmental, angry, distant and detached. And when it comes to them, “he is downright – unconcerned.”
He is not a God of love. He is not merciful. He is not forgiving…and he is anything but compassionate. Some would say he is a God of vengeance.
He is judge and jury…and he comes to smite you – because you justly deserve it.
I am just hoping and praying that you never received any of this kind of teaching from me.
And then, “along comes Jesus.”
In the middle of one of his teaching sessions in a synagogue he sees a woman enter – who has been bent over and crippled for nearly two decades.
His heart immediately goes out to her.
He is concerned. He is compassionate.
He sees “her.” He responds with mercy.
He doesn’t say much or do much – but he does “very definitely” notice her and he calls her out.
And although the “holy big shots” – bellyache about Jesus doing such a bodily healing on the Sabbath day – the gathered crowds rejoice with the woman…
They rejoice at the mercy of God.
I often hear people ask me “if (I think) God is mad at them?”
My answer is always the same, “No!”
The follow up question is “are you may be mad at God?” It is ok, (you know) he can take it.
My God is an awesome God. My God is a merciful God. My God is not far off and far away. My God walks with me daily. He is ever present. In all the times, both good and bad…
I am sure this woman was ostracized. I am sure she stood on the outskirts of her religious community. I am sure that she was not accepted. She was an outsider…and outcast…a sinner and completely un-forgiven and unloved…
That is, until she met Jesus.
That is until “he” saw “her.”
That is until he spoke to her. He was concerned. He did not judge. He reached out to her.
Now, “that” is my God. I know no other!