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“Then great multitudes came to Him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others; and they laid them down at Jesus’ feet, and He healed them. So the multitude marveled when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel. Now Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said, 'I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.'” (Matthew 15.30-32; emphasis mine, jb). The compassion of Jesus extended to and included every aspect of human needs; today's message will show this to be true of our wonderful Messiah!

The Compassion of Jesus

After healing all the sick that were cast at His feet, Jesus turned His attention to the common needs of the multitude, i.e. their need for food. It was this need coupled with the scarcity of available food that moved Him to multiply the loaves and fishes such that four thousand were easily fed. Unlike the money-mooching televangelists of today, He did not ask for something from His followers, He gave them something because He was real – real in heart, real in power, and real in doctrine! This expression of compassion was not unique in the ministry of Jesus. To illustrate this fact, the scripture quotations below are just a partial list where it was explicitly stated that He was a person of compassion.

• But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. (Matthew 9.36)

• And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. (Matthew 14.14)

• So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him. (Matthew 20.34)

• Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, 'I am willing; be cleansed.' (Mark 1.41)

• However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, 'Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.' (Mark 5.19)

The compassionate nature of Jesus did not originate at His birth and neither did it end at His death. That's because He is God! “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John1.1). God's methods may change but His character is forever and eternity the same! For this reason the Hebrews writer could affirm, “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4.15-16; emphasis mine, jb). The primary meaning of the word translated sympathize in this text is “to have compassion.” In fact, this very word is translated compassion at Hebrews 10.34! We have an High Priest [Jesus Christ] who can even now be touched with our feelings, a compassionate High Priest!

This trait is the reason why we are assured that we can come boldly [i.e. with plain and straightforward speech] to the throne of grace! Our compassionate Savior listens, feels, intercedes, and saves!

Questions:

1. Would it be fair to say that Jesus' entire mission here on earth was one in which He was compelled by compassion? Why or why not?

2. What would it mean to have a Savior who had no compassion? Would He still be a Savior?

3. What is available to us when we come boldly to His throne of grace (see Hebrews 4.16)?

4. As much as is possible, does compassion move us to provide for others the things that they want? How about the things that they need? What is the difference? Which does Jesus provide for believers?

"Voice of Inspiration" from Andy Castro

A Lot Of Salt