For most people, the majority of the information we take in about the world is through our own perceptions. But our senses are imperfect, they only show us part of the world around us. Even when we are able to see more, we sometimes limit ourselves to seeing what we want to see. It takes discernment to see beyond our own preferences.
And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:16–17 (ESV)
Jesus was known for hanging out with people who were rejected by the spiritual establishment. In the example above, He was associating with some who were most looked down upon by the religious leaders. As a result, He was criticized by them, too.
However, Jesus’ response showed that the leaders were lacking in spiritual awareness. They failed to recognize that the people with Jesus, despite their outward appearance of wealth, power, and control, were actually weak and sick. So sick that they needed a doctor.
Jesus demonstrated what it looks like to stop regarding people according to the flesh and to start seeing their spiritual needs.
This is vital as we seek to understand spiritual needs in the world around us today. However, rather than simply trying harder, we need the Spirit’s help to gain this level of sensitivity.
So, just as Elisha prayed for his servant’s eyes to be opened to the spiritual reality around them (2 Kings 6:17), let us pray for our eyes to be opened.
Heavenly Father, open our eyes and grant us spiritual sight that we might recognize the eternal needs of those around us. Let us not be blinded by what we see with our physical eyes.
Exploring Antioch 