Faith & Reason Nexus

Throughout His ministry, Jesus displayed deep compassion for the suffering and needs of humanity. His compassion was not just a passive feeling but a powerful motivator for action, as He healed, taught, and served. Below are examples of the things that moved Jesus to show compassion:

1. The World’s Pain

• Matthew 14:14: “And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.”
• Matthew 20:29-34: “And as they went out of Jericho, a great multitude followed Him. And behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, ‘Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!’ So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.”

Jesus was moved by the physical pain and suffering of the people. He often healed the sick and delivered those who were in distress.

2. The World’s Sorrow

• Luke 7:11-13: “Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd. When He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’”

Jesus was deeply moved by the sorrow of a widow who had lost her only son. His compassion led Him to raise the young man from the dead, bringing joy and comfort to the grieving mother.

3. The World’s Hunger

• Matthew 15:32: “Now Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said, ‘I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.’”

Jesus showed concern for the physical needs of the people, especially their hunger. He miraculously fed the crowd with a small amount of food, demonstrating His care for their well-being.

4. The World’s Loneliness

• Mark 1:41: “Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’”

Jesus demonstrated compassion for those who were isolated, particularly the lepers who were excluded from society. By touching the leper, He broke social barriers and offered healing and acceptance.

5. “Jesus Wept”

• John 11:35: “Jesus wept.”

This simple yet profound verse reveals Jesus’ compassion for those who mourned the death of Lazarus. Despite knowing He would raise him from the dead, Jesus still grieved with those who were sorrowful, showing that He understands human pain and suffering.

6. The World’s Bewilderment

• Matthew 9:36: “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”

Jesus’ compassion was stirred by the spiritual confusion and lack of direction among the people. He saw them as lost and in need of guidance, and He responded by teaching and guiding them with love.

Summary

These instances show that Jesus’ compassion was not only a reaction to physical needs but also extended to emotional, spiritual, and social needs. He demonstrated His deep care by healing, providing, comforting, and teaching, displaying the heart of God for humanity.