The Compassion of Jesus Christ, our Rescuer

Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Matthew 9:35-38 NLT

Jesus was probably worn out. He’d been incredibly busy! In this town, and that, this village, and the other—teaching and preaching the good news of the kingdom as well as healing diseased bodies and hurt lives. 

He’d been healing lepers, mother-in-laws, paralytics, the blind, mute, and at least one young girl and one older lady with incurable bleeding. He’d recently calmed a storm, and cast out multiple demons! As well as all that he’s been busy calling disciples, teaching the crowds, and preaching the good news in parables.

Phew! So what did he do? Did he sigh and complain? Did he stop and moan? He had good reason to. Opposition was beginning to show itself. Mark’s gospel records how Jesus was rejected in his home town of Nazareth shortly after raising Jairus’ daughter back to life.

But no. Jesus did not complain, nor did he grumble. He did not throw a pity party for himself. But instead he had compassion.

He literally ‘saw’ the crowds of people, where they were, in their lives, full of pain and disappointment. And his heart went out to them. Why? Because they were not being looked after!

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (v36)

A quick internet search defines compassion as: ”Deep awareness of the suffering of another accompanied by the wish to relieve it”

This is the overflowing love of God in action. Jesus was on earth to do the will of his father who sent him. He had a close relationship with his father which shaped his heart, his thoughts, desires and action. He knew he was greatly loved (Matthew 3:17; 17:5) 

Through this Jesus was the most emotionally healthy, whole, and secure individual who ever lived! He kew his purpose. We was fulfilled by his mission. He took joy in doing whatever his father asked!

And through this security, wholeness, health we see an individual who could not only feel immense compassion for these people, but also act on it. This compassion drove his ministry, inspired his teaching, and fuelled his disciple-making.

In fact, here we begin to see how Jesus intends his ministry to be continued, so these ‘confused and helpless’ people might continue to know his love once he has gone. The chief priest, leaders and Pharisees would not do it! It was down to his disciples. The ones who had literally been ‘apprenticing” Jesus. Walking alongside him. Watching him. Working with him. They had been learning his heart, seeing his love, and experiencing his instruction. They were literally covered in the dust of their rabbi!

And here is the invitation for us. For us to apprentice Jesus, such that we might learn his heart, and be filled with his compassion. Yes we ought to pray for more workers. Yes the harvest is ripe. But let us go ourselves. And how can we go? We can only go with the heart of Jesus. Anything else is futile.

In the meantime, let us rejoice in the finished work of Jesus Christ, our risen Saviour—our Rescuer (hey!) 

Later this week we’ll explore the vertical vs horizontal nature of Jesus’s relationship with his father. And comment on the importance of emotional health in our discipleship. Sign up now to receive straight into your inbox! (No spam etc)