The church often talks about the passion of Christ, but just as relevant, is His compassion. We serve a compassionate Christ who is touched by the feelings of our infirmities (Hebrews 4:15). Take a moment to read and reflect on the scriptures below and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart about Jesus’ compassion.

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. And when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion towards them, because they were destitute and scattered, as sheep not having a shepherd. Matthew 9:35-38

And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. Mark 1:40-41

And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.  And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. Luke 7:11-15

The scriptures make it clear that Jesus was often moved with compassion. His compassion spurred his miracles. Compassion also moves us to action; while a lack of compassion paralyzes. How would our world look different, if the people of God, emulated their compassionate Christ? Sadly, the flesh is prone to be self-centered and self-focused. 

Let us look at Matthew 20:30-34; and think about the intent of the multitude. Instead of caring about the blind men’s unfortunate plight, the crowd was more focused on the ‘noise’ or disturbance they were causing. The crowd annoyed by their screams, responded with rebuke. Contrast the crowd with Christ. The compassionate Christ, wasn’t repelled by the blind men’s insistence, instead their condition moved his heart. His compassion led him to perform a mighty miracle. If we could be moved with compassion, instead of aggravation – what miracles might we witness?

Sadly, even when we don’t respond with blatant aggravation, the body of Christ can fall victim to a more subtle culprit that erodes compassion. Has the body of Christ become complacent or indifferent because of the great need (Matthew 9:37)? We see this conundrum in Mark 8:1-10, even with Jesus’ disciples.

The disciples were immobilized by the magnitude of need; whereas Jesus’ compassion moved him to action. It was the compassion of Christ that preceded the miraculous feeding. How many times have you  sent someone in need away, empty handed? This happens when compassion doesn’t prick our heart to share a prayer, the gospel, or resources. Compassion will compel us to go the extra mile. 

We need to be moved with compassion. Our hearts need to be tender to ALL of our brothers and sisters. Compassion amongst the body of Christ will leave way for God to perform miracles. Compassion amongst the body of Christ will lead to us actively loving our neighbor as ourselves. 

May we pray to have greater compassion for All of God’s people. May God prick our hearts for the least of these. When our hearts are full of compassion, we will carry our cross with a new perspective.