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Not everyone feels compassion toward people who are in a difficult situation. 

Chances are that you have experienced people who have treated you with pity or indifference when you were struggling. A true friend is moved by compassion. 

In Luke 7 Jesus walked into a town called Nain. As he neared the gate a funeral procession was carrying a dead man out of town. We don’t know much about the man. Luke tells us that the man’s mother was by his side. She was a widow and her only son had just passed away. 

Jesus and the disciples walked in as the body was carried out. He saw the mother, walking with grief and a heavy spirit. Her only son was gone. Jesus looked at her with compassion, not pity or indifference. (Luke 7:13) Jesus had never met this woman before, but we know that the Son of God knew her even though he had never been face-to-face with her before. 

Jesus was filled with compassion. 

The Compassion of Jesus

Compassion: a concern for the sufferings of others.

Compassion is a core characteristic of Jesus. 

When he sees you, he isn’t filled with resentment or frustration. He isn’t motivated by obligation. Jesus pursues you even when you are not pursuing him. He is moved by love. 

Why? Because he is compassionate. 

Jesus sees you at this moment. Perhaps you are walking down a tough road and you wonder how Jesus would respond if he saw you. 

The good news is that Jesus sees you and he is moved by compassion. 

In Luke 7:13 Jesus said to the woman, “don’t weep.” Jesus wasn’t dismissing her grief. He told her to stop crying because he was about to change her suffering to joy. A dead life was about to regain its life. 

Compassion and love filled every step that Jesus walked to up Calvary as he carried a cross to his crucifixion. 

Jesus tells us to stop weeping over our sin because he paid our debt in full. We were once dead in our sins but, because of his love and compassion, those who follow Jesus are now alive in Christ. 

Apply: 

• What does it tell you about the character of Jesus that he is moved by compassion? 
• Are you afraid to approach Jesus? Are you keeping something from him because you are afraid of how he will respond? 
  
• Since compassion is a core characteristic of Jesus, it should also be a core characteristic of Christians. Are you known for your compassion? 

Respond: 

Spend a few minutes thanking God for his compassion and love. Confess your sins and ask God to turn your weeping over your sin into joy by receiving his grace. 

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The F260 NT Bible reading plan and HEAR Journal method is from Replicate Ministries.