“As Jesus passed by, He saw a man . . .” (Jn. 9:1).

I didn’t need to read any more. These few words stopped me in my tracks, and they continue to convict me, “As Jesus passed by, He saw . . ..”

I tend to pass by without seeing.

Goals are important. If I don’t have plans, I tend to fritter away time. But, I’m also too goal oriented. Completing my agenda becomes my focus. Projects often take precedence and I pass by, unseeing.

I don’t see the people, much less see if they are needy. I don’t even share a smile.

The small rural town where we live is a beautiful place, full of friendly people. Many are kin. When we go out, we usually see somebody we know. However, I’ve noticed that Robert always sees them first. He recognizes them in their cars, not just in the isles. I might miss them in the isles.

I often don’t see them at all. I’m focused on my mission. I’m checking off my to-do list. How many opportunities do I miss as I pass by?

In this instance, Jesus saw a man that had been blind since birth. He healed the man and word of the healing spread. All because, “as Jesus passed by, He saw . . ..”

Because Jesus spilled His blood, cut a covenant, and cleansed us, we can be one with Him and have the privilege of the living God working through us to build His kingdom. We can be His hands and feet, reaching out to others.

But, how many times do we miss that opportunity because we are too self-focused or too busy to see what He’s doing as we pass?

Jesus had compassion for the blind beggar sitting by the road. He cared, and He made time to show that love.

That leads to another question. Do I pass by people because I’m busy and preoccupied with things I need to do, or is it because I don’t care enough?

Is my love and compassion lacking? Instead of loving others as I love myself, am I all about me?

Worse still, do I love my agenda, my goals, my to-do list, more than I love the needy person I pass? Why else would I not even see them?

There is another element to consider. The man had been blind since birth. Jesus had likely passed him before, but didn’t heal him. He didn’t heal all that He passed, and we can’t either. He only did what His Father told Him to do. It was God’s time for this man to receive sight–and Jesus saw the opportunity.

That softens the burn, but it also raises another question.

Maybe the real issue is my spiritual eyes. In my heart, am I tuned to my frequency, or to God’s? Am I aware only of my desires/agenda, or am I sensitive enough to Him to know when He points out a need around me?

I want to be quick to see the need and quick to obey—even if (when) I’m absorbed in my own world.

Lord, as I pass by, give me Your eyes to see, Your heart of compassion, and help me to serve others with joy. Help me, Lord, to be one with You and with your priorities for me.