Tunnel Vision

I admit it. I have tunnel vision. No I don’t have trouble with my eyesight; my peripheral vision is just fine. The tunnel vision I sometimes suffer from comes from being focused on getting my work done but not seeing the people around me. Over the years I’ve had to make a conscious effort to slow down and not worry about the task that needed done so I can take time to see what’s going on in the lives of other people.

Jesus didn’t suffer from tunnel vision. He and the disciples were leaving Jericho to go to Jerusalem. Jesus told the disciples that once there he would be betrayed into the hands of evil men, condemned to die on the cross and then on the third day rise again. If ever Jesus had the right to be focused on what He was going to do it was then. No distractions, just keep the work to be done in front of you.

As Jesus left Jericho two blind men began to call out for help and the crowd did their best to silence them. I must admit that if I were one of the disciples I probably would have told these guys that Jesus had more important things on His mind and didn’t have time to bother with them—tunnel vision.

Not Jesus, He looked beyond the important work of salvation (a work that only he could do) and saw these two men in need. Jesus called them to him and asked what they wanted. They said they wanted to see.

Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.
Matthew 20:34 (NIV)

Jesus told his disciples that He did not come to be served but to serve others and give His life to rescue many from their sins (see verse 28). But Jesus lived it out for us all to see. He didn’t just go to Jerusalem to die on the cross so we can be forgiven; that was the work that was before Him. Instead Jesus took the time to notice two blind men in need.

Are you like me and sometimes miss the big picture because you are focused on what is right in front of you? Let’s learn from the example of Jesus to slow down and notice the people who surround us. With God’s help our hearts can be filled with compassion to meet their need no matter how big or small it may be, and in doing so God will help us get the work done we think is more important than people.