Jesus' Compassion

What does it mean to offer Jesus' Compassion to those around us? In the four Gospels, there are several instances where Jesus showed compassion to others. Jesus reached out to the lame, the blind, the deaf, the demon possessed, the poor and people who were struggling and needed the touch of the Savior. Below are examples of how Jesus showed compassion toward others and what we can learn from His example to show His compassion to those around us.

Caring – in Matthew 14:14 it says that “Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.”  What are some ways that you can be caring toward others? Here are some suggestions: send cards, emails, call, prepare meals, offer rides, be a friend.

Open – in John 4:4-26 Jesus approached a Samaritan woman, asking for a drink of water which was not acceptable in Jesus’ time because the Jews and Samaritans did not associate with each other. In the course of this direct and open conversation with this woman, Jesus’ compassion for her eternal destination was evident and eventually, it wasn’t only she that believed but many other Samaritans. Sometimes we need to be more open and direct with those around us as we share Jesus with them.

Merciful – in Mark 5:19, Jesus tells the demon-possessed man to go home to his friends and family and tell them what the Lord has done for him and how the Lord had compassion (mercy) on him. Jesus wanted this man to let others know what mercy looks like. What does mercy look like to you? And how can we be merciful toward others?

Passionate – in Matthew 20:34 “Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes and immediately their eyes received sight and they followed Him.” Are we passionate about people who don’t know the Lord? Jesus performed many miracles and He was about His Father’s business as He healed many and drew them toward Himself.

Available – in Mark 6:34 it says, “And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them because they were as sheep not having a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things.” Jesus was always abundantly available to minister to others. What time constraints do we have in our busy schedules that keep us from being available to others?

Sensitive – in Luke 7:13 “when the Lord saw her (the widow whose son had died), he had compassion on her and said unto her, Weep not.” Jesus could see her sorrow and he brought her son back to life. Jesus was sensitive to her emotions – sometimes we just need to be there for others, not saying anything but just being present.

Sacrificial – in Matthew 9:36 it says, “But when he (Jesus) saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they were scattered abroad as sheep having no shepherd.” Jesus is the Good Shepherd and we know that He laid down His life for the sheep. What are we willing to sacrifice to extend His compassion to others? Our time, finances, our lives!

Integrity – Mark 8:2 Jesus said, “I have compassion on the multitude because they have now been with me three days and have nothing to eat.” Jesus maintained His reliability by seeing the needs and later in the story providing for the multitudes. He met their spiritual needs but was also concerned for their physical hunger. We need to be reliable when others come to us with their needs.

Ongoing – in Matthew 15:32 Jesus said to the disciples, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.” Jesus’ compassion was not a once and done action or attitude – He cared about the people who followed Him and stayed with Him. We need to realize that extending Christ’s compassion is a lifestyle.

Nonjudgmental – in the story of the woman found in adultery (John 8:3-11), Jesus challenged the Pharisees that were judgmental toward this woman to pick up a stone if they had no sin and they all disappeared one by one, and Jesus asked her “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you? No one, sir, she said. Then neither do I condemn you, Jesus declared, Go now and leave your life of sin.” It is so easy to be judgmental with others when they are different or do things differently but Jesus extended His compassion to others through His nonjudgmental attitude.

So, what will you do with Jesus' Compassion?