T. B. Maston writes:
Jesus revealed not only the power of God but also His concern and compassion for people who were in need. God’s power is never simply revealed to prove His power. It was, and still is, used to minister to people in need.
To Walk as He Walked
Think about the miracles Jesus did:
- He turned water into wine in order to protect a bride’s family from shame at a time of celebration.
- He multiplied five loaves and two fish to feed a hungry crowd of thousands.
- He calmed the sea to settle the hearts of his disciples.
- He healed the lame, the sick, the blind, because he saw them like sheep without a shepherd.
- He raised Lazarus from the tomb because he was his friend, and his sisters would have been devastated.
Yes, yes, I know, each miracle, supernatural wonder was a sign to the people that this one called Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah. God used them to draw people to Christ and open their hearts in belief, but these signs were not done in isolation. Each one was a response to a need and willingly given by a loving, compassionate Savior.
This is the kind of God we serve, and what Jesus did out of compassion to those around him was no less than his Father had done from the beginning. He was the living incarnation of the words he spoke to Moses:
The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.
Exodus 34:6-7a NIV
God’s compassion was made flesh in Christ. Not wanting any to perish, he came in the form of man, humbling himself as a servant, and even died on the cross that we might be saved. That is the ultimate act of compassion and mercy.
We had a need we could not meet—release from the bondage of sin and death. God made the way through Christ.
When we do acts of kindness toward others, we reflect that same love shown to us by God in Christ and draw people to ask why. In a world lacking compassion and kindness, the example of our Lord is what we follow to bless and love others to his glory.
May we all walk in compassion as Jesus walked. We can by his…
Grace and Peace