"To See as Jesus: Seeing Through the Eyes of Grace"

"To See as Jesus: Seeing Through the Eyes of Grace"

"Transforming Our Vision to Align with His"

 

Scripture References:

• Matthew 9:36 (NASB): “Seeing the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast, like sheep without a shepherd.”
• John 4:35 (NASB): “Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest.”
• 1 Samuel 16:7 (NASB): “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’”

Introduction:

1. Personal Story or Testimony: Good morning, Lifeway Church! I want to begin today by sharing a moment from my life that completely changed the way I see the world. You know, when I first came to know Jesus, I was carrying around a lot of baggage—things I thought disqualified me from ever doing anything meaningful. I looked at my past, all the mistakes, and I couldn’t see much beyond the mess. But one day, while wrestling with my faith, I felt the Lord nudge my heart and say, “Ralph, I see you differently than you see yourself. Where you see failure, I see grace. Where you see brokenness, I see a story of redemption.”

 

That was a turning point for me. It was as if a veil had been lifted, and I began to see the potential, not just in my life, but in others too. I started seeing those around me not just as they were, but as who they could become in Christ. Jesus has this incredible way of seeing the bigger picture—of seeing past the surface and into the heart. He sees the lost, the hurting, the overlooked, and He calls us to do the same.

 

And that’s what I want to talk about today: seeing the world as Jesus sees it. It’s not always easy, is it? Our human eyes are quick to judge, quick to focus on what’s wrong. But Jesus invites us to see with a new perspective—one that’s filled with grace, compassion, and hope. Today, we’ll dive into what it means to have our vision transformed, to see others, our situations, and even ourselves through the eyes of Christ.

 

So, as we begin, let’s open our hearts and ask God to help us see in a new way. Because when we start to see as Jesus sees, everything changes. Let’s pray together for God to open our eyes.

 

 

1. Context Setting: Let’s take a moment to think about how we naturally see the world. As humans, we tend to look at things on the surface—what’s visible, obvious, and immediate. It’s like looking at a photograph instead of the entire scene; we get a snapshot, but not the full story. When we see a person, we often judge based on what they look like, how they’re dressed, or their past actions. We see a neighbor struggling, and we might think, “It’s not my problem.” We encounter a tough situation and think, “This is impossible. There's no way forward.”

 

But Jesus invites us to a radically different way of seeing. He doesn’t just see the outward appearance—He sees the heart. He sees beyond what’s visible and looks into what is possible. When He looked at people, He didn’t just see their sins or their mistakes; He saw their potential, their pain, and their need for a Savior. He saw what they could become when touched by God’s love.

 

Think about the disciples: while others saw rough, uneducated fishermen, Jesus saw leaders who would change the world. Where others saw a corrupt tax collector in Matthew, Jesus saw an evangelist who would write one of the Gospels. Where others saw a sinful woman at a well, Jesus saw someone who would bring her entire village to Him.

 

And the same applies to us today. Jesus looks at Ellis County, our neighborhoods, and our church, and He sees opportunities, not obstacles. He sees the lonely person who needs a friend, the hurting soul who needs hope, the skeptic who is closer to faith than they realize. He sees beyond the surface into the hearts of those around us, and He calls us to see them the same way.

 

This new perspective isn’t automatic. It’s not our default. It takes a transformation of our hearts and minds. Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” This transformation begins with our vision—learning to see as Jesus sees.

 

So, as we explore this theme today, I want to invite you to open your heart to the possibility of seeing differently. Let’s be ready to let go of our limited human perspectives and ask God to replace them with a heavenly view—a view that sees potential instead of problems, people instead of stereotypes, and hope instead of hopelessness. Because when we learn to see as Jesus sees, not only is our view of others transformed, but our lives are changed as well.

 

1. Prayer: Ask God to open our eyes to see as Jesus sees.

1. Seeing with Compassion (Matthew 9:36):

• Scriptural Insight:
• Unpack Matthew 9:36 in depth. Explain how the word for “compassion” (σπλαγχνίζομαι, splagchnizomai) literally refers to being moved in the innermost parts. This wasn’t a surface-level feeling—it was deep and transformative.
• Other examples of Jesus’ compassion, such as in Luke 7:13 when He saw the widow mourning her son and was moved to action, or in John 11:33-35, where He wept at the tomb of Lazarus.

 

• Illustration:

• One true story that embodies the spirit of compassion driving someone to action is the story of Pastor Rudy Rasmus from Houston, Texas. Pastor Rudy and his wife Juanita co-pastor St. John’s Downtown Church in Houston, and their journey into serving those experiencing homelessness and poverty began in a surprising way.

 

In the early 1990s, when Pastor Rudy first took on the role, St. John’s was a small church in a neighborhood struggling with homelessness, addiction, and unemployment. At the time, Pastor Rudy and Juanita could have chosen to focus inward, on just growing their congregation and making the church more comfortable for their members. But instead, they felt a deep sense of calling to make a difference in their surrounding community.

 

One day, as Pastor Rudy was walking through the neighborhood, he noticed the people sleeping under bridges and gathering on the street corners. But what moved him was hearing their stories—the tales of men and women who had fallen on hard times and were simply looking for a place to belong. He felt compelled to do something, believing that the church should be a place where the most broken among us can find hope and restoration.

 

Together with his wife and their small congregation, Pastor Rudy began offering meals to those in need. What started as a simple act of compassion—a meal served with a listening ear—soon turned into a thriving outreach that transformed the church itself. St. John’s Downtown became known as a place where the homeless were not just welcomed but treated as family. Over time, the church expanded its ministry to include not only food but also job training, transitional housing, support for those with addictions, and healthcare services.

 

One of their most notable efforts is the creation of the Bread of Life ministry, which has provided meals, clothing, and assistance to tens of thousands of individuals facing homelessness and food insecurity. Their work has not only helped many people find stability and hope, but it has also transformed the entire church community, making St. John’s a place where rich and poor, housed and homeless, worship side by side.

 

Pastor Rudy’s story shows what can happen when someone sees people as Jesus does. Instead of seeing a problem too big to tackle, he saw individuals who needed love and dignity. Instead of turning away, he leaned in, and that compassion changed countless lives.

 

This story is a powerful reminder that when we let ourselves be moved by the compassion of Jesus, even small acts can grow into movements that bring healing and hope. And it challenges us to consider how we, too, might see others with the eyes of Jesus, letting that compassion drive us to action in our own communities.

• Application:
• Challenge the congregation to think about their own community. Ask: Who are the “distressed and downcast” around us? Are we seeing them through the eyes of Jesus, or are we turning a blind eye?
• Interactive Moment: Ask members to take a moment and think of a person or group in their lives that God might be calling them to see with compassion. Pause for silent reflection.
• Prayer: Asking God to soften our hearts and open our eyes to the needs of others.

2. Seeing the Opportunity (John 4:35):

• Scriptural Insight:
• John 4:35 Context of Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman. While others saw barriers—cultural, religious, and social—Jesus saw an opportunity for spiritual awakening.

When Jesus speaks of the “harvest” in Matthew 9:37-38, He uses an agricultural metaphor that would have been very familiar to His listeners. In farming, the harvest season is a critical time—when the crops are ready to be gathered. It is a time filled with both urgency and hard work because the window to bring in the harvest is short. If the crops are not gathered in time, they could spoil or be lost to the elements, resulting in missed opportunities and wasted effort. Farmers know that when the fields are ripe, every hand is needed, and every hour counts.

 

This urgency in the harvest parallels the spiritual urgency Jesus was speaking of. He saw the crowds—lost, hurting, and in need of the gospel—and He knew that the time to reach them was now. Just as a farmer cannot delay in bringing in the crops, Jesus emphasized that the time to share God’s love and gather people into His kingdom was immediate. The need was great, but He lamented that the workers were few, calling for laborers who were willing to put in the effort and embrace the challenges of the mission field.

 

Yet, harvesting also requires patience and perseverance. The growth of crops doesn’t happen overnight; it takes months of nurturing and waiting before the fields are ready. Similarly, in ministry, there is a need for persistence—investing in people’s lives, sowing seeds of love and truth, and patiently waiting for God to bring about the transformation. But when the time comes, the harvest requires diligent hands and hearts willing to respond to the call. Jesus invites us to be those laborers—willing to step into the fields, embrace the urgency, and gather in those who are ready to receive His love.

• Illustration:

• One inspiring story of a church that saw opportunity amidst challenges is that of Crossroads Community Church in a small, declining town in rural America. A few years ago, this church faced dwindling attendance and aging facilities, mirroring the decline of the town around it. Many people viewed the situation as bleak, with some predicting that the church would soon close its doors.

 

However, the church leadership, led by Pastor Mike, saw things differently. They recognized that while the town was struggling, it still had a vibrant community of people who needed support, connection, and hope. Rather than retreating or accepting defeat, Pastor Mike and his team decided to pivot their focus to serve their community in innovative ways.

 

They transformed the church building into a community hub. Instead of just holding traditional services, they started hosting weekly events: a free community meal every Thursday night that brought people together, tutoring programs for children, and support groups for families dealing with addiction and grief. They even opened a small community garden on the church property, encouraging families to come together, grow their own food, and learn about nutrition.

 

As these initiatives gained traction, people from the town began to see the church as more than just a place of worship. It became a safe haven, a place of belonging, and a source of support. The church’s outreach efforts not only provided tangible help to those in need but also revitalized the community spirit. People who had once been disconnected began to come together, forming friendships and support networks.

 

Over time, attendance at Crossroads Community Church increased as new families joined in, drawn by the church’s commitment to serving the community. The church transformed into a vibrant center of activity, where individuals from all walks of life came to connect, learn, and grow together.

 

This story illustrates how a church can see opportunities for ministry even in challenging circumstances. Instead of focusing solely on their declining numbers, the leaders at Crossroads Community Church chose to invest in their community, demonstrating that God can use even the smallest of congregations to make a significant impact when they are willing to serve. Their story serves as a powerful reminder that with faith and creativity, we can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and outreach.

• Application:
• Challenge: Are there opportunities for sharing Christ’s love that we’re missing because we see only the obstacles? What if we saw every difficult situation as a divine opportunity?
• Discussion Moment: What opportunities do you see for ministry you see around you? What areas need a “Jesus-like” vision?
• Call to Action: I encourage you to look at your homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods as mission fields ripe for harvest.

3. Seeing the Heart (1 Samuel 16:7):

• Scriptural Insight:

• In 1 Samuel 16:7, the context centers around God sending the prophet Samuel to anoint the next king of Israel after Saul's disobedience. God instructs Samuel to go to the house of Jesse in Bethlehem, where He has chosen one of Jesse's sons to be the future king. As Samuel arrives and sees Jesse's sons, he is impressed by their outward appearance—particularly by Eliab, the oldest, whom he assumes must be the chosen one due to his stature and appearance.

 

However, God intervenes with a profound reminder: “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7, NASB). This verse highlights a fundamental difference between divine criteria and human standards.

 

Human beings often judge based on visible attributes—physical strength, charisma, or social status. We tend to value the things we can see and measure, leading us to make assumptions about someone’s potential or worth. In contrast, God’s selection of David emphasizes that true leadership and worth come from the condition of the heart. God sought a man who was not only willing but had the heart to follow Him wholeheartedly, one who would shepherd His people with integrity and faithfulness.

 

Ultimately, David was the youngest, a shepherd boy tending to sheep, seemingly an unlikely choice for a king. Yet, it was David’s character, his faith in God, and his genuine heart that made him the right candidate in God’s eyes. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that while humanity may focus on appearances, God values the inner qualities of the heart—integrity, humility, and a sincere devotion to Him. It challenges us to reconsider our own criteria for judgment and to look beyond the surface in ourselves and others, seeking what truly matters in the eyes of God.

 

How this connects to Jesus

• The lesson we learn from 1 Samuel 16:7 about God’s criteria for choosing leaders is beautifully reflected in the ministry of Jesus. Just as God selected David for his heart rather than his appearance or status, Jesus chose His disciples from among those who society often overlooked or deemed unworthy.

 

Consider the disciples whom Jesus called: they were predominantly fishermen, humble laborers who spent their days on the water. Peter, Andrew, James, and John were not the elite or educated figures of their time; they were ordinary men, accustomed to the hard work and unpredictability of fishing. Yet, Jesus saw in them qualities that others might have missed—their willingness to follow, their capacity for faith, and their potential to learn and grow.

 

Then there’s Matthew, the tax collector, who would have been despised by many in his community. Tax collectors were often seen as traitors, collaborating with the Roman occupiers and exploiting their fellow Jews. But Jesus chose Matthew to be one of His closest followers. This choice highlighted a core aspect of Jesus’ ministry: He came to seek and save the lost, extending grace to those marginalized by society.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently associated with the outcasts and the sinners—lepers, the poor, and women of ill repute—demonstrating that the Kingdom of God is open to all, regardless of their past or societal status. In choosing such unlikely candidates as His disciples, Jesus reinforced the message that God’s love and calling transcend human judgment and expectations.

 

This pattern of selection reminds us that God values the heart over human credentials. Just as God anointed David as king based on his character, Jesus equipped His disciples for ministry based on their hearts and potential rather than their qualifications or social standing.

 

By connecting this to His ministry, we see that Jesus not only transformed these ordinary individuals into extraordinary leaders but also set an example for us today. He calls us to look beyond appearances and societal expectations, recognizing that everyone has the potential to contribute to His kingdom in significant ways. This encourages us to embrace the unlikely, the overlooked, and the marginalized, understanding that God can use anyone—just as He did with David and the first disciples—to fulfill His divine purposes.

• Illustration:

• Nicky Cruz's story is a powerful testimony of transformation that exemplifies how God can use anyone, regardless of their past or background. Growing up in Puerto Rico, Nicky faced a turbulent childhood marked by violence and neglect. His family life was chaotic; his father was abusive, and Nicky struggled to find a sense of belonging. This painful upbringing led him to a life of rebellion and anger, and he eventually moved to New York City.

 

In New York, Nicky became involved with the notorious Mau Maus gang. He was known for his fierce temper and violent behavior, quickly rising through the ranks. He was deeply entrenched in a lifestyle of crime, and his heart was hardened against anything resembling love or compassion. Many viewed him as irredeemable, a lost cause destined for a life of violence or an early grave.

 

However, everything changed when he met David Wilkerson, a small-town preacher who felt called to minister to gang members in New York. Wilkerson approached Nicky, expressing a genuine concern for his soul, which infuriated Nicky. He threatened Wilkerson, proclaiming that he would kill him if he ever came back. Yet, despite the threats, Wilkerson continued to reach out to Nicky, demonstrating Christ's love and compassion.

 

Eventually, through a series of conversations and encounters, Nicky began to soften. He attended a rally where Wilkerson shared the message of Jesus, and for the first time, Nicky felt a flicker of hope. During that event, he encountered the transformative power of God’s love. Nicky realized that he was more than just a product of his environment; he was valued and worthy of redemption.

Nicky's life was dramatically transformed that day. He accepted Jesus as his Savior and committed to leaving behind his life of violence and crime. Over the years, Nicky became a powerful evangelist, sharing his testimony and reaching countless lives with the message of hope and healing. His journey from gang leader to preacher showcases the incredible power of God to transform the hearts of those whom society often deems hopeless.

 

Today, Nicky Cruz travels the world, speaking to youth and sharing his story, emphasizing that no one is beyond the reach of God's love. His life illustrates that, just as God chose David, an unlikely shepherd boy, to lead Israel, He can also choose those like Nicky Cruz—individuals with troubled pasts—to be vessels of His grace and instruments of change in the lives of others. Nicky's story challenges us to look beyond appearances and societal labels, reminding us that God's criteria for calling and equipping His people are rooted in love and redemption, not in human standards.

• Application:
• I ask you to consider your own biases. Are there people you have dismissed because they seemed unlikely candidates for God’s work?
• Interactive Moment: I ask you to write down the name of someone in your life that you struggle to see with grace. I Encourage you to pray for God to change your perspective.
• Challenge: How can we practice looking at others through God’s eyes this week? Whether it’s in our families, workplaces, or encounters with strangers, let us strive to see the heart.

Conclusion:

1. Summary of Key Points: Recap of the three aspects of seeing like Jesus—seeing with compassion, seeing opportunities, and seeing the heart.