Compassion
Devotional
Jesus is compassionate for the people of this world. He sees our suffering and, moved to alleviate our pain, is motivated to action. His compassion, mercy, and grace drove him to redeem mankind. Are you motivated by your compassion for those who are suffering, as Jesus was? Do you care, or are you merely content with the suffering of others as long as it is not happening to you? As disciples, we are called to imitate Jesus’ heart and meet the needs of those around us.
29 Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. 30 Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. 31 The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel. 32 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. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.” 33 His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?” 34 “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.”
MATTHEW 15: 29-34
Questions:
- What do you learn about the ministry of Jesus from this passage?
- How did Jesus respond to the crowds that came to him?
- What needs, if any, have you noticed around you recently?
- What has been your response to those needs around you? Explain.
- “The heart of Jesus is to care for the needs of people. The heart of Americans is to care only for themselvs.” What are your thoughts or reactions to this quote?
- In what way(s), if any, have you given into selfishness?
- How can this group help you practice selflessness more?
Practice The Way of Jesus:
In the Gospels, Jesus is often described as someone with compassion (Luke 7:13, Matthew 9:36, Matthew 20:34 etc). How would others describe you? This week, imitate the way and heart of Jesus. Take a moment to notice the needs of the people around you. Consider what it would look like to care about those needs and seek to bring relief by giving what you have. Finally, watch God transform that little you gave in to something amazing!