Seeing People the Way Jesus Does

March 12, 2026

From Pastor Eileen States

Years ago I saw a short video clip about a person who was given a special pair of glasses to wear. When they put the glasses on, they could suddenly see the hidden stories behind the people around them. Many of those stories revealed struggles, pain, and difficult situations others were carrying. Seeing this caused the person wearing the glasses to pause and think more carefully about how they interacted with those around them.

Matthew reveals one of these types of moments for Jesus. He writes, “When He (Jesus)  saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”   Matthew 9:36

Jesus did more than look at people, He really saw them. The Bible tells us that when Jesus looked at the crowds, His heart was filled with compassion. He noticed their struggles, their burdens, and their need for hope. Where others might have seen a crowd, Jesus saw individuals who were so loved by God.

In our busy lives, it is easy to pass by people without really noticing them. We move quickly from task to task, focused on our schedules, responsibilities, and worries. But what if we paused for a moment and asked God to help us see people the way Jesus does?

The co-worker who seems distant may be carrying a heavy burden. The student who acts out may simply be longing for someone to notice them. The neighbor who rarely speaks may be feeling lonely. When we slow down and truly see people, we begin to notice opportunities to reflect Christ’s love.

Sometimes compassion looks simple; a warm smile, a kind word, a brief conversation, or a quiet prayer for someone who is hurting. Small moments of care can open the door for God’s love to shine through us.

Here’s my challenge for myself in the coming days. I want to pause more often and ask God to give me the eyes of Jesus. As I go through my day, I want to notice the people around me. Listen a little longer. Smile a little more. Pray for those I encounter. Will you do this with me? We may be surprised how God uses small acts of compassion to make a big difference in someone’s life.

When we learn to see people the way Jesus does, we begin to reflect His heart to the world around us.