The power of compassion is seen throughout the ministry of Jesus. The Gospel of Mark has examples of Jesus’ compassion that are beautiful examples for us. Mark 1:41 Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” 42 Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed.[1]
Mark 6:34 Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.[2] As we look at people with compassion, we see them as the Lord sees them, no matter their condition. When Jesus moved with compassion, something amazing usually happened physically and spiritually. As children of God, our gift of compassion is instrumental in making a difference in the world.
Lack of Compassion is a Hardened Heart
Jesus is the model of compassion, and our enemy satan and his minions are the authors of just the opposite. We don’t need to be a corrupt world leader to harden our hearts and look the other way when the Lord is prompting us to reach out compassionately. In the days of King Xerxes, one of his officials plotted to destroy the Jews because Mordecai, a low-level official who was Jewish, would not bow down to him. The King approved the plan, and so a decree was sent out.
Esther 3:15 At the king’s command, the decree went out by swift messengers, and it was also proclaimed in the fortress of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa fell into confusion. [3] As you review this verse, you see what happens when we turn away from God. Fortunately, as in the story of Esther, the God of compassion intercedes and saved His people.
The Cross of Jesus, the Cross of Compassion
As Jesus journeyed to Jerusalem the last time, He knew what awaited Him. Jesus wrestled with His Father’s plan in the Garden of Gethsemane. Luke 22:41 Jesus walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” [4]
Jesus’ love for us and His obedience to the Father led Jesus to the cross. At the crucifixion He paid the price for our sins that we couldn’t pay. There is no more remarkable story of compassion than Jesus on Good Friday.
When Jesus rose from the dead, His resurrection would change everything. Galatians 2:20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. [5] Will you let Jesus move your heart to have compassion on others?
To learn more about the power of compassion, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/dastardly-plots
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.