June 14 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

Are you moved with compassion for suffering brothers and sisters? How sensitive are you to those who struggle with the relentless power of sin? Do you know where to direct the disabled, disadvantaged and dying when they cry out for help? Compassion is a deep emotion that results in taking action for the benefit of one who is suffering. It is sympathy soaked in tenderness and a strong desire to help and protect.

Christ’s earthly ministry was permeated with compassion. He was often moved by the suffering He saw. Jesus did not go about His work in a heartless and cold manner. In Matthew 9:36 we read, “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”

Jesus had compassion on those who were deeply burdened by their sins and the consequences of sin. He was not afraid to touch those afflicted with contagious diseases. A leper came to Jesus, asking Him if He was willing to cleanse him. Moved with compassion our Saviour stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” (Luke 5:12–13)

Luke 7:11–17 gives us an example of Christ’s compassion for people. On His way into the city of Nain He meets a widow on her way to bury her son. “When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’” Luke uses a word for compassion indicating that Jesus is moved to the depth of His being. The Lord Jesus feels her pain and is prepared to act and provide her with solace that goes beyond her immediate need. With the words, “Do not weep,” the Lord of life confronts the mother of the dead man with the gospel of salvation. As the suffering Servant of the Lord, Jesus came to this earth to destroy the power of death. All our tears are dried up in His presence. He takes pity on someone who is vulnerable and could easily be victimized. His compassion for this woman runs far deeper than a handshake or some other expression of condolences. It goes to the root of the widow’s suffering. In this, too, Jesus demonstrates His ability to be a true Saviour. We are limited by our own sins and weaknesses and cannot always offer the help needed by the destitute and suffering. Let’s not forget, however, that the greatest act of compassion is to direct sinners to Jesus.