They didn’t see a man.
They didn’t see his pain.
They didn’t notice his need.
They didn’t care that he was in the house of the Lord.
What they cared about was entrapping their perceived enemy, the one who threatened long-held traditions and the law that elevated them to a pious, powerful place. They wanted to defend what they thought they understood. Their goal was to prove their point.
So what they saw was an opportunity.
“He went into their synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to bring charges against Jesus, they asked him, ‘Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?’” –Matthew 12:9-10
Jesus never mistook a person for an opportunity.
[bctt tweet=”The perfect example of love, Jesus never used a person as a way of self-seeking.” username=”PatHolbrook @BethanyMcIlrath”]
In His response, He addressed the man, his pain, and his need. He also highlighted the God whose house the man was in. He had mercy on him. Jesus healed the man and redirected the conversation.
Much as they tried to make it about rightness, Jesus redirected them to God’s righteousness.
While they used men to serve their purposes, Jesus served men to fulfill God’s purposes.
Sadly, we tend to be more like the Pharisees.
Too often, we regard people as obstacles like when we:
- Are curt with people for efficiency’s sake
- Place convenience over kindness
- See other people’s challenges as hindrances or provocation to compare ourselves
Other times, we use people as a means to our ends, like when we:
- Expect people to be the means to our happiness
- Enable others so we can avoid confrontation
- Complain to loved ones so we feel better, regardless of how it affects them
Will you join me in asking the Lord’s forgiveness for seeing people as opportunities to be served instead of as opportunities to serve?
I’d like to be more Christ-like in my view of others, how about you?
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[bctt tweet=”LINKUP PARTY is open! Today, @BethanyMcIlrath invites us ponder: Do we see people as opportunities to be served… or as opportunities to serve? JOIN US! Also for a chance to be featured as next week’s Guest Blogger.” username=”PatHolbrook”]
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Bethany, when this post landed in my inbox early this morning, I thought, “Oh . . .I’ve got to read this.”
I think the higher our energy level and the more of a “do-er” we are, the more we struggle with maintaining a right appreciation for the importance of people. Interesting that Jesus was able to accomplish all that the Father sent Him to do without objectifying anyone.
You make me smile, Michele! I struggle the same way, and titles like this one grab my attention for that reason. I want to be all about loving people– but my do-erness distracts me from seeing people as people sometimes. Thanks for the encouragement!
That’s something we all need to be more aware of as believers. Trusting the Holy Spirit to help who we can.
Trusting Him is always a good choice! Thanks for stopping by and sharing encouragement!
Bethany, this is such an incredible post! It truly shows how beautiful your heart is. I am blessed by your words. Thank you so much for sharing! And Patricia, thank you so much for hosting! Hugs and blessings to you both! 🙂
Thank you, Tai! I’m blessed by your encouragement and kindness! Hugs and blessings back, sweet lady!
You are most welcome and so deserving, Love! 🙂
Only be His grace! So are you!
Wow, Bethany that was truth packed and so convicting! I often ask God to allow me to see others the way He sees them so that I may love them the way He loves them.
Thanks, Christy! What a great prayer.
Amen! Thanks for this reminder, Bethany. God help us! Blessings to you.
Thank you, Boma! God help us indeed!
“Much as they tried to make it about rightness, Jesus redirected them to God’s righteousness.” Perfect! laurensparks.net
Thanks, Lauren! Amen!
Great post especially for us bloggers! Keeping a focus on whom we serve & the purpose of the ministry we have been called! Not self serving or self promoting but edifying the Father…a fine line isn’t it…also treating those who visit & comment on our sites with love & kindness…
My prayer is to see others through the eyes of Jesus, it makes a huge difference in how we view others! 😀
Jennifer
Thank you, Jennifer! It is hard, especially online I think because it can feel like we’re just talking with computers, not people. Joining you in this prayer!
I will definitely be joining in prayer for forgiveness and guidance! I know that my personal agenda can get in the way of serving others.
Mine too, Lynn! Thanks for stopping by and joining in!
Ouch. I know I have too often mistaken a person for an obstacle. Lord, have mercy.
Me too, Lisa. Amen!