“As a father pities
his children, So the LORD pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He
remembers that we are dust.” (Psalm 103:13-14 NKJ)
his children, So the LORD pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He
remembers that we are dust.” (Psalm 103:13-14 NKJ)
The Apostle Matthew
relates how Jesus had compassion on various people (Mt. 8:28-9:13). We see his
compassion by what he did. He delivered two demoniac Gadarenes; he healed a
paralytic; he explained his actions to the scribes; he called a tax collector to
be his disciple; and he fellowshipped with the outcasts from religious society.
Most people who saw Jesus in action were amazed, but they correctly recognized
the source of his ministry and glorified God.
relates how Jesus had compassion on various people (Mt. 8:28-9:13). We see his
compassion by what he did. He delivered two demoniac Gadarenes; he healed a
paralytic; he explained his actions to the scribes; he called a tax collector to
be his disciple; and he fellowshipped with the outcasts from religious society.
Most people who saw Jesus in action were amazed, but they correctly recognized
the source of his ministry and glorified God.
When the Pharisees
challenged him on his behavior Jesus replied, “Those who are well have no need
of a physician, but those who are sick” (Matthew 9:12 NKJ). Then he
challenged them to “go and learn what this means: `I desire mercy and not
sacrifice'” (Matthew 9:13 NKJ). And Jesus left them with this thought: ‘I
did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance’ (Mat 9:13 NKJ).
challenged him on his behavior Jesus replied, “Those who are well have no need
of a physician, but those who are sick” (Matthew 9:12 NKJ). Then he
challenged them to “go and learn what this means: `I desire mercy and not
sacrifice'” (Matthew 9:13 NKJ). And Jesus left them with this thought: ‘I
did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance’ (Mat 9:13 NKJ).
The sanctimonious
Pharisees did not show pity. Compassion is pity in action. Compassion is seen
in acts on behalf of the person or persons pitied. As I review our Lord’s ministry, I consider
whether his pity and compassion is reflected in my life. Matthew must have
considered this too, because as a new disciple he heard Jesus express his
purpose to the Pharisees: “I desire mercy and not sacrifice.”
Pharisees did not show pity. Compassion is pity in action. Compassion is seen
in acts on behalf of the person or persons pitied. As I review our Lord’s ministry, I consider
whether his pity and compassion is reflected in my life. Matthew must have
considered this too, because as a new disciple he heard Jesus express his
purpose to the Pharisees: “I desire mercy and not sacrifice.”
Of course, the
Lord’s compassion was neither empowerment nor entitlement. He was compassionate
toward authentic need, not laziness or irresponsibility (Matthew 25:30). But
his love and mercy for sinners is all-inclusive . . . non-exclusive, which is
difficult for pious disciples to accept. They seem to forget that our frame is
weak and we are dust. Shouldn’t our purpose match his?
Lord’s compassion was neither empowerment nor entitlement. He was compassionate
toward authentic need, not laziness or irresponsibility (Matthew 25:30). But
his love and mercy for sinners is all-inclusive . . . non-exclusive, which is
difficult for pious disciples to accept. They seem to forget that our frame is
weak and we are dust. Shouldn’t our purpose match his?
Dear Father, thank
you for your compassion on us. Grant that we may be compassionate disciples and
freely give as we have received. I ask this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
you for your compassion on us. Grant that we may be compassionate disciples and
freely give as we have received. I ask this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be compassionate
today,
today,