“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” Matthew 9:35-36
Jesus’ ministry while He was on earth was marked by compassion. As we read the Gospels, we know that He saw people just as they were – tax collectors, fishermen, broken people.
Each person He met had a different need. He sat at their tables, healed their sickness, and listened to their stories. He saw not what they had been, but what they could be in the future. He gave them hope. Lives changed because of His love and compassion.
Some people rejected the message that Jesus brought. But despite opposition, and rejection, He spent three and a half years ministering to people. He was no respecter of person. He treated all the same, rich, poor, young, or old. Knowing that He would eventually give His life for them, He was committed to His ministry of compassion.
Jesus set an example that we should follow. This week we will look at some of the stories found in the Gospels. Most of them we are familiar with, and yet there are still lessons we can learn from them. May we catch a glimpse of what true compassion really is.
His love and compassion have not changed.
He still meets us where we are. He convicts us of our sins and failures, but He does not condemn us. He forgives and gives us hope for the future. His blood cleanses us from all sin, and we can live a life of victory.
Lamentations 3:22-23 “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
Thought For Today: Wherever you are today, whatever you need, Jesus’ love and compassion still prevail.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
