The story is told of a lawyer that had a doctor on the stand in a court room and was trying to discredit his testimony concerning the death of an individual. The lawyer asked if the doctor had checked the man’s pulse, blood pressure, or even checked to see if the man was breathing? The doctor had said that he hadn’t. The lawyer then asked how he could be sure that the man was dead. The doctor said a pretty good indication was the fact that he had the man’s brain in a jar in the lab. The lawyer became frusterated, and said “Well isn’t it still possible that he could be alive?” The doctor gave up and said, “I guess he could be out there practicing law somewhere!”

My apologies to lawyers everywhere for that little joke. I actually believe all people have value.

Jesus saw a man that had value. The scriptures state that Jesus, “came to seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10). Jesus saw this man, Matthew, the tax collector, and immediately saw more than most would see. When we consider that people have a divine origin, it leads us to not discount the value that is inherent within each of us. Like a gem hidden in the earth - the value may be undiscovered, but in the hands of the right person its true wealth becomes evident. So each of us in the hands of God have a wonderful value that is brought to light.

Jesus saw a man that was willing to bring Jesus to his home. The account in the gospel of Luke tells us that Levi (Matthew) “gave a big reception for Him in his house” (Luke 29). In a very real sense, Christianity begins at home. An hour of worship on Sunday was never intended to be a substitute for Christian living. If we leave or faith in a ‘church building’ we deceive ourselves.

Jesus saw a man whose time had come. I’m talking about the time to make a change. To finally shift priorities, and put first things first. The record states, “he rose and began to follow Him [Jesus]” (Matthew 9:9). All are invited, but few really come. Why not be one of the few, a follower of Jesus?

For a free audio cassette of a lesson entitled ‘Jesus Saw a Man’ email bcc@moment.net or call 830-833-4884.