Compassion

The emotion which we should naturally expect to find most frequently attributed to that Jesus whose whole life was a mission of mercy, and whose ministry was so marked by deeds of beneficence that it was summed up in the memory of his followers as a going through the land “doing good” (Acts xi. 38 ), is no doubt “compassion.”… His compassion fulfilled itself in the outward act; but what is emphasized by the term employed to express our Lord’s response is, in accordance with its very derivation, the profound internal movement of his emotional nature. B. B. Warfield, The Emotional Life of Our Lord
 

For the widow of Nain, Jesus’ compassion overcame the impossible, despair, hopelessness, a bleak future. (Luke 7:11-17)

For the blind men, Jesus’ compassion didn’t mind the interruption of his teaching as he was walking down the road. He didn’t heed the public opinion, the ridicule and jeers he might receive by pausing for the outcasts. Jesus’ compassion overcame the fear of man, agendas and to-dos and get-places. (Luke 18:35-43)

For the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus’ compassion reached to the mundane need of hunger. He didn’t heed other’s lack of expectations, their lack of care, their it’s-their-responsibility-and-job-so-don’t-bother. Jesus compassion in the everyday need. (Matthew 14:13-21)

For Mary and Martha, Jesus’ compassion was moved and he grieved with them even when he knew there was a more perfect plan. Even when he saw the light, he cried with them in their darkness and grief. For those who others would have told to keep their chin up, focus on the positive, or chided them for their lack of faith, Jesus’ compassion poured out. (John 11)

For Jerusalem, for the crowds who would cry “Crucify him!” in just a matter of hours, Jesus’ compassion wept. For the darkest of sinners, enemies, Jesus’ compassion still rose. For all those who others would have written off, put outside the pale of love, Jesus had compassion. (Luke 19)

For you, whatever your circumstance, Jesus’ compassion still….

For me, Jesus' compassion greater than Lyme and autoimmune, greater than depression. Greater than I-need-to-get-my-act-together, the shame of not being enough, greater than the now-physical-healing or not being healed in the now, greater than doubts, fears. His compassion is greater than my weakness. He meets me in his compassion. In his compassion, he stands by me and strengthens me (2 Tim. 4:17).

Jesus doesn’t just perform the acts to save, deliver, answer prayer—he has compassion. Com—with. Passion—emotions. He shares your hurt. He cares. No matter what others say, no matter what doubts, “I’m not good enough,” “I’m alone,” no matter what. By the Spirit, Jesus is with you and is moved for you. 

*How have you seen Jesus' compassion for you this week?