MOVED WITH COMPASSION!

 

Sunday, April 25, 2021

 

MOVED WITH COMPASSION!

 

Matt 14:14

14 And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

 

Five times in the New Testament it is recorded that Jesus was “moved with compassion.” Matthew mentions three occasions and Mark points out two. The Greek word that requires an English phrase to translate is the word splagchnizomai and means “to have the bowels yearn” or to feel sympathy or pity. Certainly, we have all felt that knot in our belly that is somehow connected to strong emotions!

 

Jesus was able to see a person’s need and pain. It is amazing that he was not constantly weeping! He saw the multitude without direction or care. He saw the sick in need of healing. He saw the unpaid debt that needed to be forgiven and the leper that needed to be cleansed. He noticed it all and his “bowels” turned over and over in sympathy.

 

Several times Jesus asked His disciples to partner with him in relieving suffering. Once He told them to give the multitude something to eat. Yet another time He asked them to pray that laborers would be provided. What can we do when our sympathies overwhelm our resources?

 

There was never a situation that Jesus did not respond to with prayer no matter how large or small the problem. When he missed the fellowship of the Father and the comfort of heaven he prayed. When he was hungry and tired, he prayed. If he was tempted, he prayed. When criticized he prayed. When hanging on the cross he prayed. There was never an emergency that would not yield to prayer.

 

Dear Lord, I run to you this morning with a long list of needs and concerns. I am doing what you did when overwhelmed. Lord, please meet the needs of my friends today. AMEN