Compassion

I've been thinking about compassion this month.
Here are a few verses that speak to the issue; the numbers refer to the words and their definition in Strong's concordance.

After each word, I will write something: the numbers refer to Strong's dictionary and definitions.

Mat 9:36

But 1161 when he saw 1492 the multitudes 3793, he was moved with compassion 4697 on 4012 them 846, because 3754 they fainted 2258 1590 , and 2532 were scattered abroad 4496 , as 5616 sheep 4263 having 2192 no 3361 shepherd 4166.


Here we see Jesus having compassion on those who were at their wits end, so discouraged and despairing that they had no hope, they felt lost, who needed someone to help them find their way.  I think he is still doing that - having compassion on us as we grow weary and discouraged from whatever.

Mat 14:14

And 2532 Jesus 2424 went forth 1831 , and saw 1492 a great 4183 multitude 3793, and 2532 was moved with compassion 4697 toward 1909 them 846, and 2532 he healed 2323 their 846 sick 732.

This passage shows his compassion not only on the sick and dying but those who loved them and were overwhelmed with both the physical and emotional toll of their pain.  It is amazing what happens when we trust him with our pain in this regard.  He sometimes heals it, but he also gives meaning to it
Mat 15:32

Then 1161 Jesus 2424 called 4341 his 846 disciples 3101 [unto him], and said 2036 , I have compassion 4697 on 1909 the multitude 3793, because 3754 they continue 4357 with me 3427 now 2235 three 5140 days 2250, and 2532 have 2192 nothing 3756 5101 to eat 5315 : and 2532 I will 2309 not 3756 send 630 0 them 846 away 630 fasting 3523, lest 3379 they faint 1590 in 1722 the way 3598.

Here, their hunger, their physical needs mattered to him as they do now. He continues to love us and because he loves us, these things matter to him.

Mat 20:34

So 1161 Jesus 2424 had compassion 4697 [on them], and touched 680 their 846 eyes 3788: and 2532 immediately 2112 their 846 eyes 3788 received sight 308 , and 2532 they followed 190 him 846.

Though he healed the physically blind here, it appears he also healed their spiritual blindness because it says they followed him.  So he heals our spiritual blindness today...if we look to him for healing.

Mar 1:41

And 1161 Jesus 2424, moved with compassion 4697 , put forth 1614 [his] hand 5495, and touched 680 him 846, and 2532 saith 3004 unto him 846, I will 2309 ; be thou clean 2511 .

A remarkable thing here is that he touched the leper. He could have healed him without touching him, but he touched the one who had been untouched, who longed for someone to give him the dignity and comfort of touch (lepers were unclean and no one could touch them.)  I wonder why it is that too many times we withhold that touch people so desperately need.


Luk 7:13

And 2532 when the Lord 2962 saw 1492 her 846, he had compassion 4697 on 1909 her 846, and 2532 said 2036 unto her 846, Weep 2799 not 3361.

He notices and heals the broken hearted, caring for the one so broken she wept. He still notices oiur tears and has written words of comfort to us.


There are lots of other examples of Christ showing compassion - on the woman they were going to stone for adultery, on Thomas who doubted, on Peter who denied him, on his mother when he told John to take care of her...certainly on all of us in our need for forgiveness and hope.

But the point I want to make is that Jesus cares for us, the ordinary person with common needs. And as he showed compassion on us, we, made in his image, are to show compassion on others. I know some people are lousy at it, but we have all experienced it....

So take some time to recognize the compassion you have experienced and consider how you can be a vehicle through which he shows compassion.