THE COMPASSION OF JESUS
The compassion of Jesus is a profound and defining aspect of His ministry and character, vividly portrayed in the Gospels. His actions and words reveal a deep empathy for the suffering, sick, and distressed, demonstrating His divine love and mercy. Jesus’ compassion is not just a passive feeling but an active force that leads to miraculous healings, provision, and comfort.
EXPRESSIONS OF COMPASSION IN JESUS’ MINISTRY
Healing the Sick
One of the most frequent expressions of Jesus’ compassion is His healing of the sick. When He saw the vast crowds, He was moved with pity and cured their illnesses. “When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick” (Mt 14:14). This compassion is a testament to His divine power and love, reaching out to alleviate human suffering.
Feeding the Hungry
Jesus also showed His compassion by feeding the hungry. On one occasion, He said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way” (Mt 15:32). In response, He miraculously multiplied food to feed thousands, showing His care for both their physical and spiritual needs.
Raising the Dead
The compassion of Jesus extended even to raising the dead. When He encountered a widow grieving the loss of her only son, “He was moved with pity for her and said to her, ‘Do not weep’” (Lk 7:13). Jesus then raised her son, restoring hope and joy to her life. Similarly, at the tomb of Lazarus, Jesus wept with those mourning and then raised Lazarus from the dead, demonstrating His deep empathy and divine authority (Jn 11:33-36).
Calming the Storm
Jesus’ compassion also manifested in His care for His disciples during a storm. As they feared for their lives, Jesus calmed the sea, bringing peace and demonstrating His power over nature (Mk 4:39). This act reassured His followers of His constant presence and protection.
ADDITIONAL INSTANCES OF JESUS’ COMPASSION
Shepherding the Lost
“When he saw the crowds he was moved with pity, for they were harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd” (Mt 9:36; Mk 6:34). Jesus’ heart went out to those who were spiritually lost and in need of guidance, leading Him to teach and lead them toward the truth.
Healing the Blind
Two blind men approached Jesus in Jericho, seeking mercy. “Moved with pity, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight, and followed him” (Mt 20:34). His compassion led to their physical and spiritual restoration.
Cleansing the Leper
A leper begged Jesus to make him clean. “Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, ‘I do will it. Be made clean’” (Mk 1:41). Jesus’ touch, often avoided due to ritual impurity, shows His willingness to reach out to the marginalized and afflicted.
Commissioning the Healed
After healing a demoniac Gerasene, Jesus instructed him, “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you” (Mk 5:19). This command to share his testimony highlights Jesus’ compassion, encouraging others to witness His mercy and power.
PROMISE OF PEACE AND COMFORT
Jesus promised peace to those in trouble if they approach Him in faith and hope. He assured His disciples, “I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world” (Jn 16:32-33). His resurrection and ascension guarantee victory for believers, offering hope, relief, and peace.
This promise is echoed in the Old Testament, where God speaks to Israel through Isaiah: “Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand” (Isa 41:10).
Encouragement from the Apostles
The Apostles also encourage believers to trust in God’s care and compassion. Paul writes, “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7). Similarly, Peter advises young Christians, “Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you” (1 Pet 5:7).
REFLECTION
As Christians, Jesus’ compassion serves as a model for our own lives. His empathy, mercy, and love call us to act with similar compassion toward others. In a world often filled with pain and suffering, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, extending His love and care to those in need.
Reflecting Jesus’ Compassion
– In Prayer: Lift up those who are suffering, sick, or in distress, asking God to bring healing and comfort.
– In Action: Reach out to those in need, offering support, kindness, and practical help, just as Jesus did.
– In Testimony: Share the stories of God’s compassion in your life, encouraging others to trust in His care.
Jesus’ promise of peace and victory assures us that, despite the troubles we face, we can find rest in Him. Let us embrace this peace and extend it to others, living as testimonies of His compassionate love. May we, inspired by the compassion of Jesus, live out our faith with empathy, kindness, and unwavering hope, bringing the light of Christ to a world in need.