Following Jesus’ Example of Compassion

Published on Apr 26, 2024
Category: Devotion | Behold!

Read: Mark 8

During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.

Mark 8:1-3

Jesus understands our every need and is compassionate towards us.

The feeding of the four thousand is another of the powerful miracles that Jesus performed. Jesus was concerned about the crowds who had been following Him for three days. He cared that they were tired and hungry. So rather than send them away on empty stomachs, He meets their physical need of hunger too. Jesus’ compassion was not limited to mere words. We see that he went on to perform a miracle, feeding the crowd of over four thousand people with just a few loaves of bread and fish. This act of kindness and generosity further demonstrated Jesus’ love and concern for not just the spiritual well-being of those around him, but their physical needs too.

In today’s world, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by the needs of others and to feel helpless in the face of such widespread suffering and poverty. However, Jesus’ example reminds us that compassion is not a passive emotion, but an active force for good. When we allow ourselves to truly empathize with the struggles and hardships of others, we are motivated to take action, to give of ourselves and our resources to help alleviate their suffering.

Moreover, Jesus’ compassion was not limited to those who were like him or those who shared his beliefs. Throughout his ministry, he reached out to the marginalized and the outcast, breaking down social barriers and extending love and acceptance to all who sought his help. This is a lesson for us today, as we strive to overcome the divisions and prejudices that too often plague our communities and our world.

In Mark 8:2, we see a powerful example of Jesus’ compassion in action, a powerful reminder of our compassionate God who is deeply concerned for our every need. We also have an example to follow – the transformative power of love and generosity. May we choose to follow our God whose love for us is overwhelming, and reckless, and be compassionate to those in need with open hearts and open hands.

How does Jesus’ example of compassion influence your views on helping others? Have you ever experienced an act of compassion from someone that has deeply impacted your life? How did it make you feel, and how did it shape your understanding of compassion? What is one practical step you can take today to show compassion towards someone in need, as a reflection of God’s compassion?

Prayer

Father, I confess that I don’t feel compassionate naturally. Would you fill my heart with your compassion, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Scripture Writing: Isaiah 30:18

Song: Reckless Love of God

Bible Verses: Compassion

For more daily devotions like this – At the Potter’s Wheel (Kindle)

Author

Preethi Alice Jacob

Preethi Jacob is the author of the yearlong devotional At the Potter’s Wheel, Day by Day. Her journey includes teaching a Bible Study Fellowship class, teaching and leading the Sunday School ministry in her church, leading Bible studies, besides counselling young women. She serves on the Global Mission Team of the United Bible Societies and lives in Bangalore, India with her husband and two young adult children.

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