“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”

Luke 19:10 (NIV, 1984)

Today’s Scripture reads, “The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” Jesus had a clear and concise ministry. To carry out His mission, He connected with virtually every person the Father put in His path—every kind of individual in every strata of society. He didn’t bypass anyone. This included arrogant, self-righteous religious leaders, as well as prostitutes, traitors, people with infectious diseases, and even dangerous people inhabited by demonic spirits.

What about us? Every day we pass by people who are considered outsiders, oddballs, loners, foreigners and second-class citizens. Yet God has placed these individuals in our neighborhoods, on our street corners, on our campuses, and in our mall parking lots. We may find ourselves tempted to relate only to those with whom we identify and with whom we are comfortable. But if we want to follow Christ’s example, it will mean making inroads with people outside our normal circles.

Jesus, I’ve prayed this before, but I’m asking You again to open my eyes to see the people around me as You do. Help me to see beyond the externals. For Your sake, help me to venture outside my comfort zone to greet, speak to, help, or at least smile at the people I would normally avoid or ignore.