Jesus Is...Compassionate

Jesus was a very busy man. He had disciples to train, masses to teach, Pharisees to correct. Places to go, people to see, lives to save!

No doubt, Jesus wasn't messing around and He was never afraid to talk straight about anything. But He also made a habit of stopping and helping those in need. He gave comfort, peace, and healing to so many. Just as He was quick to give criticism where warranted, He was quicker to show love and mercy.

Twice, He took just a small amount of food and fed thousands with it. Can you fathom being there when that took place? The Bible says He gave thanks to God and then started breaking the bread and the fish to hand out. It must have taken a long time, but everyone ate their fill and there were leftovers!

He healed on many occasions, but one that sticks out in my mind is the gentile woman with a demon-possessed daughter. She was desperate and persistent, even after the apostles asked Jesus to send her away. Here is how the conversation played out:

He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel." The woman came and knelt before him. "Lord, help me!" she said. He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." "Yes, Lord," she said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

How cool is that? This mother believed that Jesus would heal her daughter and Jesus, I believe because of her faith, made it happen. We serve a truly loving and caring God. He cares for you just as much as He cares for me. If you have never taken the time to study the compassion of Jesus, now is the time! Grab a Bible (I have a couple linked on the blog) and take a careful read through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Thank you Jesus, for loving me enough to sacrifice yourself for my benefit! I pray that I never let you down by neglecting your teaching.