DAY 3 — SEE PEOPLE, NOT NUMBERS
MATTHEW 9:36 (KJV)
“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.”
SEE PEOPLE, NOT NUMBERS
Every day, we encounter people.
At the grocery store.
At work.
In our neighborhoods.
Sometimes we pass dozens of people without giving much thought to what may be happening in their lives.
We see faces.
We see crowds.
But how often do we really see people?
In Matthew chapter 9, Jesus was traveling through cities and villages, teaching, preaching, and healing.
And the Bible tells us something remarkable.
“WHEN HE SAW THE MULTITUDES, HE WAS MOVED WITH COMPASSION.”
Jesus didn’t merely see a crowd.
He saw people.
People who were hurting.
People who were struggling.
People who needed hope and direction.
And what He saw moved His heart.
HE SAW BEYOND THE CROWD AND RECOGNIZED THEIR NEED!
Sometimes we become excited about church growth, new opportunities, and seeing more people attend our services.
But we must never forget that behind every number is a person.
Behind every person is a story.
And behind some of those stories are people who desperately need Jesus Christ.
That new family moving into your neighborhood.
That young person you see at the store.
That coworker who seems to have everything together.
You may not know what they’re carrying.
But Jesus knows.
And perhaps God wants to use you to demonstrate His love.
Church growth should never become more important to us than the people we’re called to reach.
Because Jesus didn’t come simply to gather crowds.
HE CAME TO SEEK AND TO SAVE THE LOST!
Before we can genuinely desire to see more souls added to the Church, we must develop compassion for the people around us.
And that begins when we learn to see them through the eyes of Jesus.
Before we have a heart for addition, we must have a heart for people!
REFLECT
Have I become so busy with my own life that I’ve stopped noticing the people around me?
Do I see people as Jesus sees them, or have I allowed familiarity to weaken my compassion?
TODAY’S STEP
As you go throughout your day, intentionally notice the people around you.
Instead of simply passing by, take a moment to offer kindness, encouragement, or a listening ear.
Ask God to help you recognize someone who may need His love today.
Don’t just see another face. See somebody Jesus loves!
PRAYER
Father, give me a heart like Jesus. Forgive me for the times I’ve overlooked people who needed compassion. Open my eyes to see beyond appearances and recognize the needs of those around me. Enlarge my heart for people who do not know You, and help me demonstrate Your love through my words and actions. In Jesus’ name, amen.
SUNDAY WORD
BEFORE WE CAN HAVE A HEART FOR ADDITION, WE MUST HAVE A HEART FOR PEOPLE!
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