Sunday, October
15, 2023
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
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