“Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.” Psalm 103:13 (NAS)
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. As we should expect, 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, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick.” And then he challenged them to “go and learn what this means: ‘I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,’ (Mt. 9:12-13 NAS). And Jesus left them with this thought: “I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
Have you ever considered how his ministry purpose affects his call to you? Matthew must have considered it, since as a new disciple he heard Jesus express his purpose to the Pharisees. One could properly conclude that one’s purpose in ministry would extend to those one calls as disciples. If Jesus’ ministry was a ministry of compassion . . .an inclusive ministry to all sinners, then maybe our purpose should match his.
Dear Father, thank you for your compassion on us. Empower us to be disciples of compassion. Enable us to freely give as we have received. In the name of Jesus, I pray. AMEN
Be encouraged today in God’s compassion for you,