Look Like Jesus

February 6, 2023 | NEW HEARTS

In the Gospels we learn how Jesus noticed people who others overlooked, ignored, or hated. Not only did Jesus truly see people, but He was intentional about his time spent with them. While we may not be able to perform miracles, we can learn from his intentional gaze and presence for those He encountered.

Evangelization begins with a relationship—one between the Christian and Jesus, between the Christian and the one to be evangelized, and between Jesus and the one to be evangelized. Here are a few ways Jesus noticed others that we can imitate in order to be effective evangelizers in our own lives.


He noticed people others ignored: Luke 18:35-42

In Luke, when Jesus approached Jericho, He heard a blind man begging for healing. Jesus took the time to see and heal the blind beggar, a man others ignored or rebuked. Many in the world feel ignored. Catholics are called to notice those in physical and spiritual need and to help them find healing.


He noticed people others hated: Luke 19:1-10

Jesus met Zacchaeus in Jericho. Zacchaeus, like all tax collectors, was considered a sinner and was likely hated by most Jews. Jesus not only noticed him and talked with him but spent time with him. Christians are called to also evangelize those who are on the outskirts of society and help them feel welcomed into the Christian community.


He noticed people who did not know He existed: John 1: 48

In John, Nathanael asked Jesus, “How do you know me?” and he answered, “Before Phillip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.”

Those who feel invisible need to be reminded they are seen. They need to be told they are seen, not only by a human companion for the spiritual journey, but more importantly by Jesus.


He noticed people in need at inconvenient moments: Luke 22:50-51

During the arrest of Jesus, one of his disciples used a sword and cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant. In this moment of stress, Jesus still paused to notice and touch the servant to heal his ear.

Not every evangelization opportunity will present itself when the time is right, and all is well in the world. Even in our own moments of turmoil, God may present us a person who needs His healing. Like Jesus, we must pause what we are doing to notice those in need and be with them and trust God will provide for us even in moments of chaos. Our mission of evangelization continues in moments like these also.


He noticed people He was expected to ignore: John 5:1-18

When Jesus was in Jerusalem, He noticed a man lying on the ground who had been ill for a long time. He healed him even though it was expected that none should work (including cure the sick) on the sabbath. Evangelizing others may require us to notice and care for those which may cause discord in our families and Christian community, but Jesus is clear on this. At all times we are called to evangelize and lead all people to Him.

Like Jesus, let us allow our gaze to pause on those He puts in our path so we may truly see the soul He desires us to join on the journey to Him.

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