2nd July 2026
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
TOPIC: IT IS THE PEOPLE YOU PASS BY
THEME SCRIPTURE: "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." — Matthew 9:36
PREPARATORY QUESTION
When you look at the people around you, do you see interruptions to your schedule or souls in need of a Savior?
Jesus never looked at people casually.
Where others saw crowds, He saw individuals.
Where others saw problems, He saw people.
Where others saw inconvenience, He felt compassion.
Matthew tells us that Jesus looked at the crowds and recognized their true condition. They were spiritually lost, vulnerable, and directionless—like sheep without a shepherd. His response was not irritation, criticism, or indifference. It was compassion.
Many Christians understand this truth intellectually but fail to practice it daily.
We rush through our routines. We pass coworkers, neighbors, cashiers, drivers, classmates, and strangers every day. Most of the time, we barely notice them. We are consumed with our plans, concerns, and responsibilities.
Yet every person you encounter has an eternal soul.
The colleague who seems difficult.
The neighbor who keeps to himself.
The friend who mocks Christianity.
The cashier who serves you.
The stranger sitting beside you.
Each one matters to God.
Compassion changes how we see people. Instead of viewing them through the lens of annoyance, politics, social status, or personal preference, we begin to see them through the lens of eternity.
Evangelism that lacks compassion often becomes harsh. Compassion that lacks truth becomes sentimental. Jesus demonstrated both. He loved people enough to care deeply about their condition and to tell them the truth.
Before people need your answers, they often need your concern.
Key Takeaway:
When you see people the way Jesus sees them, compassion will move you toward them instead of away from them.
Ask GOD, beloved, to give you His eyes. Ask Him to help you see beyond appearances and recognize the spiritual realities around you. A heart filled with Christ's compassion will naturally look for opportunities to point others to Christ.
You cannot reach people you refuse to notice.
Remain blessed.
FURTHER READING
- Matthew 9:35-38
- Luke 19:41-42
- Mark 6:34
- Colossians 4:5-6
- Jude 22-23
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD
1. How do I typically view the people I encounter each day?
2. Have I become indifferent to the spiritual condition of others?
3. Who around me needs compassion as well as truth?
4. What practical step can I take this week to show Christ's love to someone?
PRAYER
Father, forgive me for the times I have overlooked people You care deeply about. Give me the eyes of Christ to see people as You see them. Fill my heart with genuine compassion for the lost and help me speak the truth with love. Use me to reflect Your grace to those around me and point them to Jesus. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.