WALKING WITH JESUS: Intentional Loving Relationships
Steve Poole

THEME - Whatever good we do is the work of God through us.
TEXT - Matthew 9:9-13, 9:18-38, 10:1

Holy Spirit POWER
P - Praying as Jesus
O - Obeying like Jesus
W - Word centered like Jesus
E - Exalting the Father
R - Relational like Jesus

1. Jesus prioritized people.

2. Jesus saw people, not problems
* “As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.” ~ Matthew 9:9
* Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. ~ Matthew 9:22
* But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. ~ Matthew 9:25
* When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ~ Matthew 9:26

REFLECT:
* “Am I really willing to be kind to people regardless of their problems?”
* “Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved.” ~ Barbara Johnson
* Genesis 16 – El Roi means, “God who sees me”!

3. Jesus sees people, not projects
* When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. ~ Matthew 9:36-10-1

APPLICATION
1. Pray every morning, “God help me to SEE people not problems today. Fill me with love to show them kindness.”
2. When you feel moved by the Spirit to do something kind, seize the opportunity. Don’t underestimate the power of small acts of kindness in the hands of an almighty God.
3. If you feel, “unseen” by God or people, talk to a friend, elder, or pastor. We would love to pray.