The compassion of Jesus
Compassion: to have a deep care and concern for the suffering and pain of others, and that feeling pushes you to do something about it!
When we read about Jesus in the New Testament, we see that he had compassion for the people around him. But what does it mean to have compassion?
A good illustration would be when an elderly man struggled to carry his groceries across the street, a young woman noticed and quickly came to his aid. She took some of the heavier bags from him, offering a kind smile and ensuring he made it safely to the other side. The woman is moved by empathy and desire to assist.
Interestingly, the original Biblical term for compassion means 'to be moved deep in your stomach.' This might sound odd, but think about it. Have you ever felt so empathetic towards someone in pain that it felt like a physical sensation in your stomach? That's the depth of feeling we're talking about. It's the feeling you get when you see pain and suffering and you know you need to do something about it. Jesus as we read about His life, was the most compassionate person to ever live.
Let's look at some of the times during his life when he had compassion on others. In Matthew 14:13-21 we find the famous story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. Verse 14 says “When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick” Jesus saw these people, and His heart went out to them. What did Jesus compassion lead Him to do? Jesus healed their sick and He fed them.
What is the longest you've ever gone without eating? Imagine going without food for days. It's an excruciating feeling. Jesus, having fasted for 40 days, deeply understood this hunger and chose to act. When he saw suffering, he didn't just feel for the individuals; he took steps to alleviate their pain and Jesus knew all about hunger!
Have you ever seen a picture of a child who is starving? If you have, maybe you remember seeing the poor little child's very thin arms and legs; maybe you remember being able to count all of the child's ribs that are barely covered by skin. Most of us who see a picture like that feel concerned for that child’s suffering. But compassion means not only feeling concerned but also trying to do something to help if we can. When Jesus saw such suffering He took action to help those on whom He had compassion. Sadly we know that we often fall short when it comes to having compassion on others, but Jesus never did. Jesus compassion is one aspect of his personality that makes Him the only perfect person to have ever lived.
In Luke 13 we read a story that contrasts Jesus compassion with that of a hard hearted man who didn't have this kind of feeling. In this story, Jesus was in a synagogue on the Sabbath. A woman came in who had a very crooked back and she was bent over. She hadn't been able to raise herself for 18 years and Jesus saw her and he wanted to help so he healed her. And the ruler of the synagogue was angry at Jesus because he had healed her on the Sabbath. You see this man was just too busy trying to be in charge to stop and think about others. He never even thought about the woman. His heart didn't go out to her. He was not moved deeply within himself, he was so self-centered that he didn't even think about this woman's troubles, but Jesus always thought about others. Jesus said in verse 16 to the man and the crowd “ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound—think of it—for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?” When we read the story we can't believe that that man would be so calloused that he wouldn't even think about this poor woman. But in all honesty have you ever stopped to think about what this woman actually experienced? Honestly, have you ever stopped to think about what this woman actually went through? She'd been bent over for 18 years. She couldn't raise herself up at all the text says. Have you thought about what she saw all day being bent down staring at the ground? She would see feet, donkey manure, dirt and mud! When she wanted to talk with someone she most likely couldn't look that person in the eye. She probably couldn't recline at a table to eat like other people. You know some of us who have had injuries or back problems that may have kept us down for a few days, maybe a few weeks, possibly a few months. This woman never stood up straight for 18 years.
I don't know how many times you've read that story in Luke 13 but have you ever really thought about what that would be like? But that's the thing, Jesus always thought about what others were going through, and He still thinks about what we all are going through. His compassion is perfect, and it's limitless. He knows and He cares if you're suffering from cancer, if you've lost a loved one, if you're lonely or depressed. Jesus sees you, thinks about you, that's why he says “come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I'll give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matt 11:28-30) Jesus sees all of us, He knows what everyone of us is going through and He always has perfect compassion on all of us.
Do you want compassion for your life? Do you need it? Have you messed up? Jesus compassion will change everything in your life.
All you need to do is come to Him and learn from Him.
In John 14:15 Jesus says “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments”. How do we do that? We are asked by Jesus to Believe in Him (Jn 8:24); to repent of our sins (Lk 13:3); to confess His name (Matt 10:32); and to be baptized (Mark 16:16).
Jesus saw the condition of mankind, destroyed by sin. And so He left Heaven and came to Earth to save us from our sins. Jesus' compassion is a powerful force, driven by deep understanding and a commitment to action. It's an example for us to emulate in our lives.