Jesus Looked and Loved
To start with, I thought about titling this blog, “Body Love,” and then decided that meant something different than what I wanted it to mean. So, #1: You’re welcome for not titling it that. And, #2: Sorry that I couldn’t resist telling you anyway.
But to get on track with our devotional thought this morning, I spent time reflecting on our outdoor service yesterday, and one moment that was very meaningful to me (and I hope to you too, whether you attended virtually or in person) was when John Mark had us look into each other’s eyes and to touch our hearts. It was a moment where we slowed down our busy lives, and we took the time to say to one another, “I see God working within you.”
And this action reminded me of a passage found in the Gospels. It is the scene where a rich, young ruler comes to Jesus to ask about eternal life. The conversation between this young man and Jesus is worth studying and reflecting upon. But the piece of the story that I was reminded of was that just one little verse where Jesus looks through the presenting question to the inner heart of the young man who is before him. It reads this way:
“Jesus looked at him carefully and loved him. He said, ‘You are lacking one thing. Go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor. Then you will have treasure in heaven. And come, follow me.'”
This story is found in Mark 10:17-31, and I would encourage you to go and read and consider the full story this week. But for today, I want to tie that action of Jesus at the beginning of this verse with the action that John Mark invited our church to participate in yesterday morning.
Because Jesus was a master at this. Jesus not only spoke love, but he lived it. Jesus sees and he seeks out the people who need to be seen and need to see love in the eyes of the person across from them (and they often seek him out too). Jesus looked at this young man in Mark 10, and he loved him. He saw who he was, who he would be at the end of this conversation, and later on in his life, and he loved him. He saw God working in him. And even though this story ends with the young man leaving, walking away sad, Jesus loves him.
So yesterday, we met at church for the first time in 29 weeks as a large body. And while everyone was wearing masks to try to keep one another safe from any germs that we may have, we participated with Jesus in looking at one another and loving each other. We took the time to see God working in one another. And for me (and I hope again for you), it was a balm to my soul.
This week, may we use our eyes to love. May we use our body language to love. May we follow Jesus in loving each person we see.
