THE FACE OF JESUS

 

 

It was part of a text I received from a Deacon who ministers five days a week at a nursing home sharing Scripture, reflections, prayer, songs, and God’s love. The nursing home he goes to houses people who have either dementia or Alzheimer’s. I enjoy hearing the stories of God working through this Deacon to minister to these people. He shared how amazing it is when he starts to say the Our Father with them and they all join right in. The same is true with some songs he sings with them, like “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” Isn’t it inspiring to know they can recall some of the most important things like God’s Word?

When I read those words,

 

I couldn’t help but think how powerful it was. Since we are made in God’s image and have the Holy Spirit within us, shouldn’t we see the face of Jesus reflected in people?

But, how many times do we see the face of Jesus in others?

Do we take time to even think about it or bother to look?

 

Do we see the face of Jesus in the…

• …boss or coworker?
• …spouse who brings you flowers to brighten your day?
• …elderly person in a nursing home?
• …person waiting on you at the restaurant?
• …doctor who gives you a bad report?
• …person who listens to you with their heart?
• …person who has no money for food?
• …friend who offers you words of encouragement?

 

• …homeless person who has nothing?
• …Pastor who shares God’s Word?
• …lonely, forgotten person in jail?
• …child who needs someone to care as they find their way?
• …person going through cancer treatments?
• …child you sponsor from a Third World country?
• …person who looks different because of a physical ailment?
• …drug addict you pass on the street?

 

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,  I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’  –Matthew 25:35-40  (ESV) 

It seems Jesus is indicating that when we provide for others in their time of need, we are doing it for Jesus too. Knowing that, shouldn’t we be seeing Jesus’ face in those people? Isn’t that something special to consider? We are able to share and reflect Jesus’ caring and compassionate lifestyle with others. We know the sanctity and value of every human being. God made each of us beautiful, worthy, precious, and worth loving. Bringing that to life in others by our actions is a great mission.

 

Photo courtesy of Wayne S. Grazio under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

 

 

Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.  –Hebrews 13:1-3  (NLT)

God is love. Jesus came to earth and shared love with everyone, even the worst of sinners. He always reached out to the marginalized and the forgotten. We have the mission to follow in Jesus’ footsteps through sharing His love, concern for others, and realizing the dignity of everyone. If we are sharing Christ’s love, we can’t help but see the face of Christ in our brothers and sisters, everyone we meet.

 

Photo courtesy of Pennsylvania National Guard under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

 

Isn’t it more difficult to see the face of Jesus in those who have hurt us in some way?

Do we see the face of Jesus in…

• …the person who no longer speaks to us?
• …the person who cut us off in traffic?
• …the person who harmed us?

 

How can we be encouraged to see the face of Jesus in these people?

By remembering…

• …to pray for our enemies.
• …to will the best for everyone.
• …that Jesus died for them.

 

• …they might have a deep hurt that needs to be healed.
• …to look for something positive in them.
• …they, too, are children of God.

 

Can you recall a special time when you saw the face of Jesus in a powerful way?

I recall seeing the face of Jesus in a look of desperation from a lady down the street I did not know. She was trying to remove the snow and ice from around her mailbox one cold, snowy day. She took a break as I started to drive by. Our eyes connected, and I saw her look of desperation, which reminded me of the agony Jesus endured on His way to Calvary. It prompted me to forego my errands, turn around, go get my son, and a few shovels to help her. She was so appreciative, and from that encounter, we have engaged in more conversations over the years.

I have experienced seeing the face of Jesus a few times with interactions with a pastor at church. It was seeing the face of Jesus, whose eyes pierced my heart and soul, as I experienced His immense love and compassion for me. I felt Jesus’ pure and unconditional love, a vulnerability letting Him into my heart, which brought me to tears in His presence.

 

 

May you be encouraged this week to…

…see the face of Jesus in everyone.

…see the face of Jesus in the difficult people in your life.

…reflect on and give thanks for a time you encountered seeing the face of Jesus.

 

Would you please be so kind and share in the comment section below a time...

...you experienced seeing the face of Jesus in someone?

...you were the recipient of seeing the face of Jesus that touched you?

Thanks so much!

 

Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually.  –Psalm 105:4  (NASB)

You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.”  –Psalm 27:8  (ESV)