JESUS SHOWING PITY
In the Gospels, Jesus is presented as a man who is greatly touched by the suffering of those around him. Unlike the religious elites of his time, Jesus didn’t merely observe the “troubled and abandoned” with detachment. Instead, His heart was moved with pity for them, prompting Him to take action and alleviate their burdens.
Jesus had three unique initiatives that set him apart from the Jewish elites of his time, based on his extensive travel throughout the villages of Galilee spreading the gospel.
(1) Jesus observed the “troubled and abandoned” situation of the people.
(2) “His heart was moved with pity for them.”
(3) He did what he could to ease their sufferings and acted for the expansion and continuation of his ministry through his disciples.
The Gospels often describe how Jesus felt deep compassion for the crowds. For instance, in Matthew 14:14, “When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick.” Again, before feeding the 4,000, He expressed deep concern for their well-being, saying, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat” (Mt 15:32). Jesus’ compassion wasn’t just a passive emotion, but a motivating power that drove Him to take action.
Out of sympathy, Jesus helped the helpless without their request for a favour:
(1) Jesus healed a man with a withered hand in a synagogue on a Sabbath (Mt12:9-14; Mk 3:1-6; Lk 6:6-11).
(2) He was “moved with pity” on a widow whose son had died, and he raised him during the funeral procession (Lk 7:11-17).
(3) He healed a person lying at the pool of Bethsaida who was sick for 38 years (Jn 5:1-15).
(4) He fed the 5,000 who came to listen to him (Mt 14:13-21; Mk 6:30-44; Lk 9:10-17; Jn 6:1-15).
(5) He fed 4,000 by stating, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd” (Mt 15:32-29; Mk 8:1-13).
(6) Jesus healed on a Sabbath a woman who was crippled by a spirit for 18 years (Lk 13:10-17).
(7) He healed a man with dropsy on the Sabbath while dining at the house of a Pharisee (Lk 14:1-6).
(8) Jesus healed the high priest’s servant at Gethsemane when Peter cut off his right ear (Lk 22:50-51).
Jesus faced criticism from the Pharisees and Scribes throughout His ministry for healing on the Sabbath and forgiving sins. Religious law deemed these acts of mercy and compassion as violations. Yet, Jesus placed love and compassion above religious rituals. He stressed the importance of a faith rooted in the heart rather than just obeying regulations.
REFLECTION
Jesus’ compassion was always accompanied by action. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and comforted the grieving. His acts of kindness were not limited to those who sought His help but extended to those who were helpless and without hope. Unlike the religious leaders who often remained detached, Jesus engaged directly with those in need. He teaches us to open our eyes and hearts to the pain and challenges faced by those around us. By being attentive and responsive to the needs of our community, we can follow His example.
Our service as followers of Christ should be fueled by love and compassion. Jesus’ ministry teaches us to express our faith through acts of kindness and mercy, mirroring His compassion. Here are some ways we can actively live out Jesus’ message:
Practice Empathy: Put yourself in others’ shoes and make a conscious effort to grasp the hardships they face. This allows you to respond with more compassion and offer the most appropriate assistance.
Offer Help: Explore opportunities to alleviate suffering, regardless of their magnitude, within your community. You can volunteer, donate, or offer assistance to those who require it.
Extend Kindness: A little act of kindness, a listening ear, or a helping hand can make a tremendous difference. By performing small acts of kindness, we can bring positivity to someone’s day and foster a ripple effect of compassion.
Challenge Injustice: Advocate for change in systems and structures that contribute to human suffering. Stand up for the marginalized and advocate for policies that ensure equality and justice for everyone.
We can establish a more loving and just world by imitating Jesus’ unwavering compassion. We should aim to be channels of God’s love, actively observing the needs in our midst, allowing our hearts to be filled with empathy, and taking tangible measures to bring about positive change in the lives of others. By doing this, we imitate the actions of Jesus Christ, spreading His light and love throughout the world.
Our service must be motivated by love and compassion from the heart. Jesus had invited those who were meek and humble to find relief in his heart. Instead of a ritualistic religion, he chose a heart-centered faith. He substituted the Jewish religion with Christianity to offer service from the heart.