The Compassion of Christ
Consider the following verses from the book of Matthew:
- 9:36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.
- 14:14 And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.
- 15:32 Now Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.”
- 20:34 So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.
Jesus’ compassion is in response to our need for Him! In the verses above, Christ saw the people as:
- Shepherdess – wandering away from the flock without the guidance, protection or provision of the Great Shepherd.
- Sick – whether it is spiritual, emotional or physical sickness, the Great Physician has the desire and power to heal.
- Starving – want of food makes the body hungry; want of a Savior leaves the soul starving.
- Sightless – when someone is physically blind they can’t see the world around them; when someone is spiritually blind they can’t see the Light of the World.
The word for compassion used here means, ‘to have the bowels yearn’ (feel sympathy or pity). The God of the universe loves us so much, that when He sees our brokenness, suffering, troubles and affliction, He yearns within Himself to bless us!
God sees all the sufferings in the world. Imagine how He must be yearning for the day when He will restore all things!
- Revelation 21:4-5 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” 5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”
Never underestimate God’s love for us.
Never underestimate how much He loves YOU!
Prayer
Father, Your love for us is so evident. No wonder You tell us in Your Word that those who deny You are without excuse. But I know that Your love goes much farther and deeper than I can possibly imagine or understand. I praise You for telling us of Your compassion. I long for the day when I will stand eternally in Your presence, when there will be no more sin, no more suffering, no more death! May the compassion of Christ draw many to salvation. I pray these things in the name of Jesus, Amen.
