Friday, July 18, 2014
Mark 6:34 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
THE ACTIVITY OF COMPASSION
Some time ago I was in the store and heard someone across the room talking loudly. I didn't hear much of the conversation, but I heard this: "I'm for anyone who's looking out for me!" It made me think in that moment about the way human nature is. It is always looking out for "number one," always looking out for itself.
Quite in contrast to our sinful human nature is the way the Lord Jesus conducted Himself. As He carried out His ministry, it was clear that He was not interested in serving Himself, but in service others. The word here that describes Him is "compassionate."
Now having compassion for others is more than just feeling sorry them. In the New Testament the word is used a few times and in each case there is an activity connected with it. For example, in Matthew 14 we are told that Jesus had compassion on the crowd and healed their sick. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, the Samaritan man had compassion on the Jew who had been beaten by robbers--and he stopped to help him. When Jesus has compassion on us, it is more than just a feeling of pity that He has in His heart toward us. Jesus' compassion is connected with acts of love that He carries out on our behalf. It has been said, in fact, that "Sympathy sees and says, 'I'm sorry.' Compassion sees and says, 'I'll help.'"
Jesus has compassion on us. He saw the sin of the world and He offered Himself on the cross, accepting the punishment for it. He sees our earthly needs too and reaches out His hand to satisfy them. His compassion is ever active!
