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We often contemplate what Jesus did (a physical miracle, for example). What if, instead, we slowed down to notice the way Jesus takes the time to connect with and understand those he encountered? How would that change the way we live out our faith today?
When Jesus sees people who live on the outskirts of society, he often asks what they want him to do for them. There is something so personal, so kind about asking that question. Jesus notices (Jesus sees!) people who may have often felt invisible to those around them. It may have been a long time since they’d been seen – if they ever were truly seen before.
Honestly, who Jesus notices is still more radical of a shift than what we’ve seen in our world today. The status quo still holds tightly. The same groups of people that Jesus saw are the same ones that so many people today don’t want to see and choose to ignore. But Jesus doesn’t ignore them now either. Jesus is the same yesterday and today.
This message is excerpted from “Seeing with Jesus’ eyes” by Cara Strickland in the January/February 2025 Gather magazine.