Jesus' Compassion

Jesus’ Compassion

I was reminded recently of a poem/song I wrote based on Mark 1:40-42 (Be Thou Clean), the chorus of which is:

I wondered if Jesus would have compassion on me. I asked if He was willing, and He said, Be thou clean.

Jesus being moved with compassion was the reason He fed the 5000 and His motive for several other miracles and lessons taught by Him and the other apostles:

1) Forgiveness:

Matthew 18:27, 33 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt… Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

2) The Father's reception of the prodigal son:

Luke 15:20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

3) A high priest's (and the High Priest's) understanding of our infirmities and weaknesses:

Hebrews 5:2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.

4) Proof that we have the love of God dwelling in us:

1 John 3:17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

5) Growth and blessings as a Christian influencing other believers:

1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

6) Growth as believers making a difference to the lost:

Jude 1:22-23 And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

July 18th, 2016
Jerry Bouey