Going Where They Are

"Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness." 
Matthew 9:35 (NIV)

Have you ever wondered what you'd do if you were the King of the universe? Most of us would probably set up shop in a palace somewhere, put up a "By Appointment Only" sign, and wait for people to come to us.

But Jesus does something different. The Son of God doesn't wait in an ivory tower for people to find Him. Instead, He walks dusty roads where the people are, seeking out the ones who need Him most. A Jewish historian named Josephus tells us there were about 200 cities and villages scattered across Galilee, which was an area 40 miles wide and 70 miles long, and contained about 3 million people.

Imagine Jesus walking from sunup to sundown, teaching, preaching, and healing. He's giving hope to the hopeless, help to the helpless, and showing His heart to the hurting. This isn't a leisurely stroll; it's intentional, sacrificial work.

Here's what strikes me: Jesus could have said, "Look, I came all the way from heaven to earth. I think I've gone more than halfway." But He doesn't stop there. He goes the full distance.

When you truly see people with eyes of compassion, you actively seek them where they are. You step out of your comfort zone at work, in your neighborhood, at the gym. You initiate conversations with that coworker who seems stressed, reach out to the neighbor going through a difficult divorce, or greet the grocery store clerk who may seem discouraged. 

It’s intentional, time consuming and sacrificial. That’s how Jesus pursues you. And His spirit invites you to walk with Him through your neighborhood and see with His eyes of compassion. 

The greatest evangelist of the 19th century, Dwight L. Moody, was once asked the best way to reach people with the gospel. His answer was just three words: "Go after them."

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for giving me Your heart for people who are far from You. Make me aware of the people You've placed in my path today who need to see Your compassion through me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.