The Saint Jesus Saw In A Sinner

A medical MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan uses magnets and radio waves to expose bone, muscle, and organs in detailed three-dimensional pictures. The doctor sees every normal and abnormal feature to find what is wrong and determine the best treatment.

Imagine a spiritual MRI exposing your memories, words spoken, actions taken, and the secret thoughts you share with no one. In the presence of a holy God, any thoughtful person quickly realizes their own unworthiness.

When God spoke to Job about His great power and wisdom, Job was so humbled he said he would cover his mouth and say nothing more (Job 40:3-5).

When the prophet Isaiah saw the glory of God, he cried out in terror because he felt so sinful:

Woe to me! … I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips. — Isaiah 6:1-7

The apostle Peter had a very similar experience when he encountered Jesus on the shores of Galilee.

In Luke 5, Peter allowed Jesus to preach from his boat to a large crowd on the shore. Peter listened attentively while mending his nets after a long, exhausting night of fishing.

After preaching, Jesus asked Peter to go out into deep water and let down his nets. Peter was skeptical because they had caught nothing all night. Yet, out of respect for Jesus, Peter obeyed and caught so many fish that his nets began to break. He had to call his partners, James and John, to help haul in the massive catch.

Peter Saw Jesus as He Really Was

Peter listened to the words of Jesus. Jesus’ preaching was so powerful that guards sent to arrest Him once returned empty-handed, marveling:

No one ever spoke the way this man does. — John 7:46

Jesus amazed the crowds because He taught with real authority ( Matthew 7:28-29). Peter realized he was not just sitting with a great teacher; he was in the presence of the holy Son of God.

Peter Saw Himself as He Really Was

Jesus’ power and holiness immediately exposed Peter’s own faults. Cut to the heart, Peter fell at Jesus’ knees and begged Him to leave. He felt completely unworthy to be in the presence of such perfect righteousness. Like a leper warning others to stay away from a diseased body, Peter felt too spiritually unclean to be near the Savior.

Jesus Saw Peter as He Really Was

Jesus did not argue with Peter’s self-condemnation. He knew Peter’s heart and was fully aware of his flaws. Yet, instead of leaving, Jesus invited Peter to follow Him. Far from being pushed away by Peter’s sins, Jesus wanted Peter right by His side.

Jesus Saw Peter as He Could Be

Jesus looked past the boats and fish to see Peter’s true future. He saw Peter casting the net of the gospel (the good news of salvation) to catch the souls of men.

Jesus knew Peter the sinner would be transformed into a faithful servant. Just as Peter’s heart was stirred by Jesus, Peter would later stir the hearts of thousands by preaching the gospel (Acts 2:36-38.). Jesus saw the man Peter could become long before Peter saw it in himself.

What Jesus Sees in Us

When we read Jesus’ words, we are exposed for who we truly are. If we are open, His word will peel away our self-illusions and reveal our sins in the light of His truth.

Do not fear this deep, inner examination (Hebrews 4:12-13). Facing our sinful condition is the first necessary step to healing the cancer of sin in our hearts.

Instead of pushing us away, Jesus invites us to follow Him. When we accept His message, His sacrificial death cleanses us from the disease of sin.

We are then transformed to reflect His goodness to the world ( 2 Corinthians 3:17-18, Matthew 5:14-16). Our past mistakes are wiped away, and we are declared righteous (in right standing with God) by His grace (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

Just like Peter, we can be used by Jesus to accomplish great things. We can help rescue others from the grip of sin by sharing the gospel.

We can also support fellow Christians and help guide back those who wander away ( James 5:19-20). By seeing the potential in others, we can encourage them to follow Jesus and become who they were meant to be.

Jesus sees us as we can be when we see Jesus as He is.