Are You Compassionate?

N.T.#160 "Are You Compassionate?"

Oct. 9, 2023

Matthew 14-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

We left Jesus in a boat, grieving the death of his cousin, John the Baptist. When the people heard where He was headed, they walked from many towns to hear Him. I can picture a crowd of about 20,000 sitting on the grass along the Sea of Galilee. 

This miracle, feeding of the 5,000, is the only miracle recorded in each of the 4 Gospels. (Mark 6, Luke 9, John 6) Those writers give more insight than Matthew does. Mark 6 tells us Jesus suggested He and the disciples go off by themselves to a quiet place and rest awhile. (verse 31) He said this because so many people were coming and going that Jesus and His apostles didn't even have time to eat. However, the people ran along the shore and got there ahead of the boat. 

Jesus saw the huge crowd as He stepped from the boat, and He had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. (John 6:34)

Compassion, in the Greek language, means feel sympathy; to pity.

Previous Scriptures tell us when Jesus had and showed compassion:

• Matthew 9:36-Jesus set the possessed man (of demons) free.
• Mark 1:41-Jesus healed the leper.
• Luke 7:13-Jesus raised the dead son of a widow to life.

LET IT GROW

For He saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. (Romans 9:15) Paul is quoting Exodus 33:19.

Do you think that compassion sets apart the Christian from the world? How grateful we must be that God called us to be His children, changed, and set free from the passions of this world and sin.

Peter gives us instructions on how a Christian should live: 

Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous. (1 Peter 3:8)

Do we have a tender heart and a humble mind? Are we showing compassion, love, pity, and courtesy to others? I know there are times we are to take a stand, and not compromise our beliefs and God's Word, but there are other times we are to exhibit those characteristics mentioned above. 

LET IT GO

What a loving, caring, and feeling person You were and are, Jesus!

Help us be compassionate like You, Jesus. May people see You living in us.

Fill us with Your love, overflowing to others.