When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them”
Matthew 9:36
In our fast-paced, often impersonal world, it’s all too easy to become numb to the sea of faces we encounter each day. We rush past strangers on the street, barely glance at the cashier ringing up our groceries, or ignore the person sitting next to us on the bus. But today’s verse challenges us to see people as Jesus did – with eyes of deep compassion and understanding.
When Jesus looked at the crowds, He didn’t just see a faceless mass of humanity. He saw individuals – each with their own struggles, hopes, and needs. His gaze went beyond the surface, penetrating to the very heart of their condition. The original Greek word used for “compassion” here is splanchnizomai, which literally refers to a gut-wrenching emotional response. This wasn’t just a passing feeling of pity; it was a profound, visceral reaction to the state of the people before Him.
To truly grasp the significance of Jesus’ compassion, we need to understand the cultural context. In Jesus’ time, shepherds played a crucial role in society. The verse tells us that He saw people who were “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” This powerful metaphor speaks volumes about the spiritual and emotional state of those around Him. They didn’t just tend to sheep; they protected, guided, and cared for their flock with unwavering dedication. For Jesus to see the crowds as sheep without a shepherd meant He recognized their deep need for guidance, protection, and care – both physically and spiritually.
This compassionate vision wasn’t just a passive observation on Jesus’ part. It moved Him to action. Throughout the Gospels, we see Him reaching out to the overlooked, the outcast, and the broken. He didn’t just feel sorry for people; He engaged with them, healed them, and offered them hope. Jesus’ compassion was always linked to action – whether it was healing the sick, feeding the hungry, or teaching those hungry for spiritual truth.
What would change if we began to look at others the way Jesus did? How might it transform our daily interactions if we paused to really see the person in front of us – not just their outward appearance, but their inherent worth as someone created in God’s image? This kind of seeing requires intentionality and practice. It means slowing down, being present in the moment, and allowing ourselves to be moved by the needs of others.
At first, this might feel uncomfortable or even overwhelming. We’re often conditioned to keep our emotional distance, to stay in our own bubbles of concern. But as we practice this Christ-like vision, we open ourselves up to be used by God in powerful and unexpected ways. We might find ourselves offering a kind word to someone who desperately needs encouragement, or being moved to pray for a stranger we encounter. Small acts of compassion can have ripple effects far beyond what we can see.
Developing this compassionate gaze also requires us to confront our own biases and preconceptions. It’s easy to feel compassion for those we naturally like or relate to. But Jesus’ compassion extended to all – including those society deemed unworthy or unclean. He saw the humanity and the need in everyone, from respected religious leaders to despised tax collectors. As we seek to see through Jesus’ eyes, we must ask Him to help us overcome our own limited perspectives and see the value in every person we encounter.
This doesn’t mean we ignore real problems or enable harmful behavior. Jesus’ compassion was always coupled with truth and a call to transformation. But it does mean that we approach others with a heart that seeks to understand rather than judge, to help rather than condemn. It means recognizing that behind every face – whether it’s a difficult coworker, a grumpy neighbor, or a person whose lifestyle we don’t agree with – there’s a soul created by God and in need of His love.
Practicing this kind of compassionate vision can also transform how we see ourselves. Often, we’re our own harshest critics, focusing on our flaws and shortcomings. But if we can learn to see ourselves through Jesus’ eyes – with compassion, understanding, and a recognition of our inherent worth – it can lead to profound healing and growth in our own lives.
This compassionate way of seeing isn’t just a nice idea; it’s central to our calling as followers of Christ. Jesus told His disciples, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (John 20:21). Part of that sending involves carrying on His ministry of compassion. We are called to be His hands and feet in a world that desperately needs to experience His love and care.
Developing this Christ-like vision is a lifelong journey. We won’t always get it right, and there will be times when we fall short. But each day offers new opportunities to practice seeing others as Jesus sees them. It might start with simply making eye contact and smiling at the people we encounter. It could mean taking a moment to really listen to a coworker or family member, seeking to understand their perspective and needs. Or it might involve stepping out of our comfort zones to reach out to someone in our community who is often overlooked or marginalized.
As we cultivate this compassionate gaze, we’ll likely find that it changes us as much as it impacts others. We may discover a deeper sense of connection with those around us, a greater awareness of God’s work in the world, and a more profound understanding of His love for all people. We might even find ourselves being moved to action in ways we never expected, becoming agents of God’s compassion and grace in our spheres of influence.
Godseekers, I challenge you today to look at the people around you with new eyes. See past the surface and imagine the story behind each face. Let compassion well up within you, just as it did for Jesus. And then, be open to how God might use you to bring His love and hope to someone in need. Remember, every person you encounter is someone Christ died for, someone He loves deeply. As we learn to see others through His eyes, we participate in His ongoing work of redemption and restoration in the world.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, open our eyes to see people as You see them. Break our hearts for what breaks Yours. Fill us with Your compassion and guide us in how to respond. Help us to overcome our biases and preconceptions, and to recognize the inherent worth in every person we meet. Give us courage to act on the compassion You place in our hearts. Use us as instruments of Your love and grace in a world that desperately needs to experience Your care. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Personal Reflection
- Think of a time when someone showed you unexpected compassion or really took the time to “see” you. How did it impact you? How might you extend that same kind of compassion to others?
- Consider a person or group of people you find difficult to feel compassion for. What might be preventing you from seeing them as Jesus does? How can you ask God to help you see them differently?
Step of Faith
This week, choose one person you interact with regularly but don’t know well (like a neighbor, coworker, or service worker). Make a conscious effort to truly notice them, greet them by name if possible, and show genuine interest in their well-being. Look for an opportunity to offer a word of encouragement or a small act of kindness. Pay attention to how this intentional focus on seeing others impacts both them and you.
