Do People Matter to You?

06.30.08

Do people matter to you, people in general?

In Luke 4:38-44 Jesus is at a friend's house and people start showing up in need of help. Throughout His ministry Jesus heals people in a variety of ways; some close up, some at a distance, some just by telling them they are healed, and some by doing weird stuff like putting spit on them. The point is that He can choose to heal however He wants. That’s what makes this so wild! It says in verse 40, “and laying His hands on each one, he healed them.” There was a big crowd and it went late into the night and I’m sure Jesus got tired (people wear you out). So, why didn’t He just heal them all in one shot? Jesus showed over and over again that He cared for each person as an individual.

What about you? I ask you again, do people matter to you? What about that guy that hangs out in the parking lot where you surf and is always hitting everyone up for money? I’m not saying he shouldn’t get a job but do you recognize that you and he have the same Creator? What about that dude in the lineup that annoys everyone or that girl that thinks she’s all that and flirts with every guy? What about that quiet person that no one even notices? God notices them, do you? Jesus loved people so much that He gave up the entire night (and much more) in order to express love to each person. Why not show love for God today by loving the people He made.

Who do you surf for?