Recognizing Humanity
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36 (ESV)
I love our Tuesday morning Bible study! Currently we’re focusing on the book of Acts. We meet weekly to share our hearts and learn more about Jesus (and each other). But this week I was particularly captured by these two words: recognizing humanity.
So the big question is this: how do we recognize humanity today? What does it even mean? Google says it’s by identifying the unique biological traits, cognitive abilities and emotional capacities that define our species, alongside actively practicing empathy, self-compassion, and mutual respect to acknowledge our shared human experience.
But wait, Jesus was human and lived more than 2,026 years ago. Yet He recognized humanity. He ate with sinners, healed the sick, fed the hungry. Proven point. Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds, Matthew 14:19 (ESV). He knew humanity very well because He was part of it. He also saw us as sheep in need of a Savior. Before we ever tried to analyze those words or turn it into a source of study, He was already recognizing us and forgiving our foolish ways.
He had compassion for others – the needs of those suffering from sin, hunger etc. This is what He did: And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean” Mark 1(ESV).
Most likely none of us have given these two words even a second thought but perhaps we should. If this heartfelt act was good enough for Jesus, it’s good enough for us!
All of our humanity is dependent upon recognizing the humanity in others. Desmond Tutu
Loving Lord, thank You for those years You spent with mankind here on earth. Teach us to see others as You do and to recognize them as Your creation. AMEN.