WJS1 – What Jesus Saw Introduction

WJS1 What Jesus Saw – Introduction

Reading: Matthew 9:35-36; John 7:47-49 35 Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matthew 9:35-36 NLT) The other night I saw a homeless guy with a plastic bag full of cans and bottles crossing Highway 97 near Cooley Rd. I thought, “He should know better than to try crossing there with all the traffic and the speed it moves. And he’s wearing dark non-reflective clothing. What is that guy thinking?” There’s been some vehicle-pedestrian accidents there recently. Even a couple of deaths. Jesus saw William Randall Marks, Jr crossing Highway 97, near Cooley Rd. He once was an expert and conscientious tiler. During the building boom just over a decade ago, there was lots of work. He got a new house for his wife and their two kids. He got a new work truck and trailer. Along with those things he got a mortgage, truck,,trailer, car, and tools payments, and braces for the kids. Then the housing market collapsed and there was no work. He started feeling like a failure and wondered if he would fail his family the way his father had. Depression and fear took hold. Alcohol helped release its grip. They lost the house and his wife and kids went to live with her parents. Then his wife said, “We’re done!” He was sleeping in his truck but he lost the truck and trailer and his tools. Then he lost hope. Now it’s been a few years and he’s on his way to cash out some cans and bottles to buy some cheap wine and a can of strong ale to put himself to sleep for a few hours. For the next few days I’m going to be digging into “What Jesus Saw”, how Jesus sees people differently than others see them. Jesus saw the crowds as confused and helpless and had compassion on them. The Pharisees, who were supposed to be their shepherds, cursed them! It’s kind of like the other night, when Jesus saw Billy Marks, and I just saw a random homeless guy crossing the highway. It’s my prayer that our eyes will be opened to see What Jesus Saw, and to see like Jesus sees. We’ll look at some stories from the Gospels about people and situations and the Holy Spirit will help us learn to see what Jesus sees. Are you in? Prayer: Father, Please help us to learn to see What Jesus Sees! May our hearts be stirred and our eyes be opened to what you want to teach us from your word! For Jesus’ Sake!