I See You, I Know You

In a recent sermon at church, I was intrigued and captivated by the way Jesus called His disciples to Him. Andrew, the brother of Simon overheard John the Baptist say, as he looked at Jesus, “Look! There is the Lamb of God” (John 1:36).

Andrew followed Jesus and heard His teaching and went to find his brother Simon. He told Him “We have found the Messiah”. Andrew brought Simon to Jesus and then Jesus looked at Him (John 1:42).

Later, in Galilee, Jesus found Philip and called him to follow. Philip looked for and found Nathaniel and told him that they had found Jesus of Nazareth.

Jesus saw Nathanael, but He had already seen him sitting under the fig tree (John 1:43-44).  So, Jesus saw their outward forms but He sees much more than this. Of Nathanael, Jesus said “He is an Israelite – a true descendant of Jacob in whom there is no guile or deceit or falsehood or duplicity” (Verse 47).

And when Jesus saw Simon, He said, “Your name is Simon, Son of John, but you will be called Cephas, which is Peter (stone)” (Verse 42).  Later He commissioned him. On this rock I will build My Church, and the Gates of Hades shall not over-power it” (Matthew 16:18).

Jesus said to Peter “Take care of my lambs – take care of my sheep – Shepherd, take care of my sheep” (John 21:15-17).

So, Jesus knew their characters, their strengths and weaknesses, their abilities and giftings.  He knew what they would be able to achieve for His Kingdom.

Similarly, Jesus sees us, that is our physical bodies, and sees where we are. But He knows us, because He made us for His purposes. He gave us our character and abilities, our likes and dislikes. He planned the work of our hands and He is watching over us, willing us and urging us on.

I am so grateful that He sees me and more importantly knows me.  In Jeremiah 29:11 He tells me He has plans and purposes for me. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”