Jesus Eyes

 

When you die, whatever you have done for yourself goes to the grave with you.

What you have done for others, lives on.

~Unknown

At times I have wondered about Jesus’s eyes when He was here on earth? It would be interesting to know if they were blue, green, or perhaps steel grey. I can only guess if they were widespread eyes or close. And while I know that at times in His life, they were likely sad, how were Jesus’ eyes most of the time—piercing, soft, sharp, fully focused or what? Were they cautious and wary, or perhaps steady and assured?

The fact is, none of that matters, does it? None of it is important. I’ve come to realize that the thing about Jesus’s eyes for us all to consider is the things that He not only saw, but, more importantly, how He responded when He saw those things:

• He saw the differences in people. But He saw them deeper than I often do—He saw their hearts first.
• He saw the weaknesses and faults in people. And, He always saw opportunity for teaching and spiritual healing in them—something I often fail to do.
• He saw the differing status of people, yet He saw them all as equals. My biases and prejudices aren’t always held in check.
• He never failed to see pain and suffering, and His focus was on compassion and healing for everyone He came across. My self-absorption can detract from empathy for the plight of others.
• He saw homelessness, hunger, and hardship. He not only saw the need for provision, He provided. Me, too often I look the other way and find a way to justify stinginess.
• He saw divisiveness and He stressed the need for unity. How many times have I fed divisiveness instead of brokering unity?  Too many.

Yes, I still have plenty of work to do because I don’t have Jesus eyes.

What about you?