Needy People

Do you know any needy people?

Seeing With Our Eyes

We learn in Matthew, “As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.” Jesus did not just pass by this sinner. He looked Matthew in the eye… and saw a man that needed help. Later we learn that when the Pharisees saw this, they asked, “Why does your teacher eat and with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus heard their question and answered, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” Jesus then said something interesting, “Go and learn what this means.” 

I think Jesus was saying his lesson was not just intended for health care professionals. His lesson applies to other needs as well, even to housing. It is not those with fine houses that need our help, but it is the homeless that need our help. It is not those in church that need our help, but those in our community, in our neighborhood… Jesus, then, confirmed this message with this final statement on the subject, “For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Chicken Dinners

On Sundays, our church gives out boxed chicken dinners. This gives us the opportunity to share the Gospel and meet people in our community. It is a reminder to look deeper and see the humanity of that needy person that God has put in our path. 

If you don’t see a needy person in your path, you aren’t looking hard enough. Needy people are everywhere. If you are needy, maybe, like Matthew, you can help others. Practice looking people in the eye. Look beyond the surface and see their need. Then, begin loving as Jesus loved you and let the healing begin.

Also, see Open the Eyes of My Heart.

Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear