PODCAST
Jesus’ Compassion
August 22nd, 2022
Matthew 9:27-38
What makes Jesus feel compassion?
Matthew gives us a few glimpses into the moments in which Jesus feels compassion—all of which are centered around human need— but this one is the first. We learn that Jesus feels compassion for people who are “harassed and helpless” (9:36). He even adds a metaphor: these people are like sheep wandering around with no one to guide them!
Harassed and helpless. The words Matthew uses here can be literally translated as “troubled” and “cast aside.” Who are the people you know who are troubled? Who has been cast aside and forgotten? Who is left out, directionless, lost? These are the people for whom Jesus has compassion. Now how do you suppose Jesus would want us to treat the people for whom He has compassion? If we love and serve Jesus, our priority should always be to care about what He cares about, and to have compassion for the same people for whom He has compassion.
Author: Tara Thomas Smith
August 22nd, 2022 at 3:51 pm
Yes, Father God. May our prayer be to break our hearts for what breaks yours and open up our eyes to the things unseen. Father, please remove our pride, our arrogance, a haughty look, and always reflect your character even when our emotions or feelings tell us otherwise. May your Holy Spirit provide us with self-control so we can always respond with a loving heart to everyone we encounter, either at work, family, church, or a random stranger on the street always reminding ourselves that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ! Glory to God. Make us a vessel of honor for your Kingdom.