What does it look like to be fully present?

While on his way to Jerusalem for Passover week,  Jesus encounters many people and ministers from a heart of compassion.

The disciples don’t want Jesus to be bothered with the children, but Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me.”

The rich young man, relying on his wealth (a sign of God’s blessing… so he must be doing something right) and on his moral efforts, wanted to know if he had done enough to inherit eternal life.  Jesus looked at him with love.

When Jesus learned of Lazarus’ death and of how Lazarus’ sisters, Mary and Martha, were overcome with grief, Jesus was deeply moved and visibly distressed.  He burst into tears. Those looking on said, “See how much he loved Lazarus!”

Blind Bartimaeus cried out, “Son of David, take pity on me.”

Zacchaeus, a despised, crooked tax collector, was looked in the eyes by Jesus and told Jesus would be a guest at his house (a sign of honor).

For Jesus, people were not a distraction or an intrusion.  He truly loved them.  He was unselfish with his time and attention.  Sometimes I struggle with that.  People can be a bother, a drain, an annoyance.  Like the old saying, “ministry would be great if it weren’t for the people.”  Oh, but that’s the heart of ministry, isn’t it?  The people the Father puts in our path each day are our opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus, the heart and voice of Jesus, to the lost and hurting.

Father, fill me with your love.  Let me see people how Jesus saw them, that my motive in everything will be love.