“As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man…” John 9:1
Jesus saw the man. The disciples would likely not have noticed him if it were not for Jesus. There is little doubt the encounter caused awkward tension for the disciples. They were used to avoiding eye contact and moving along. Rather than say something to the blind beggar, they said something about him; even better, they asked Jesus a theological question. More avoidance.
Jesus wouldn’t have it. He answered their question, then moved in and touched the man.
Jesus challenged me this week to consider the number of people I pass by along the way. Sometimes, even my momentary kindnesses are yet another form of avoidance: smile, greet, move along.
What if I really saw people? Rather than moving along, what if I entered someone’s universe? The truth is, I might just see the power of God on full display.