Walking through the grocery store the other day, I had someone pass by and say questioningly, “Lynn?” Surprised, I looked and saw that it was a friend I hadn’t seen in years. Thankfully, she immediately said her name so I was not wracking my brain for the right connection. What was exciting was that she was looking at me. In the chaos of the carts, food and people…she saw me. I know I get busy and distracted and a lot of time I am in my head and looking anywhere but at people. It was refreshing to think she took the time to see me.
Matthew 25: 34-40
34 “Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who will receive good things from my Father. Inherit the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world began. 35 I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. 36 I was naked and you gave me clothes to wear. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me.’
37 “Then those who are righteous will reply to him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? 38 When did we see you as a stranger and welcome you, or naked and give you clothes to wear? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
40 “Then the king will reply to them, ‘I assure you that when you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it for me.’
In this passage from Matthew, the disciples were wracking their brain for when they saw Jesus. After all, you would think they would remember when Jesus was sick or thirsty. They would remember taking care of a sick Jesus. But…that is not all that Jesus is looking for! He wants us to see everyone…to take care of everyone. All this is done in His name.
Pastor Tom encouraged us to look for Jesus in others this Advent season. For us to look at others with a different heart. I know that I really need to look at others first. Look in their eyes and faces and see them, but also to look into their hearts.
One Comment on “See Me”
Great reminders for this hectic season of preparation. Also made me think of the commercial for psoriasis medication that says “See me” meaning not my psoriasis but see me as a person. Everyone we see has something in their life that they don’t want to be seen as such as homeless, discouraged, depressed, unclean, negative, beautiful, ditzy. Just see everyone as a child of God in whom He is well pleased!