Introduction
Scripture is filled with stories of Jesus’ compassion for those around him; compassion that moved him to action.
Two blind men were sitting on the side of the road and when Jesus walked by, they called out to him, “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” (Matthew 20).
Jesus departed and when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot. And when Jesus went out, He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick…and fed them. (Matthew 14)
Now a leper came to Jesus, imploring Him, kneeling down to Jesus and saying to Him, ‘If You are willing, You can make me clean.’ Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him. (Mark 1)
When Jesus came near the gate of the city, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’ Then He came and touched the open coffin. (Luke 7)
Jesus expressly commands us to follow this same pattern of compassion leading to action. At the end of the parable of the Good Samaritan, who we’re told had compassion on the injured man he passed on the road, leading him to bandage and care for his wounds, carry him to an inn, and take care of him, Jesus wraps it up by telling his followers, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10)
Sometimes we want to act on our compassion, but we’re not sure how. Other times our struggle to relate to others hinders our compassion. At times the problems in the world seem so big we don’t even know where to start. We might want to “go and do likewise,” but how? When? For whom?
Join us this weekend as we discuss these questions and more.
Laura Holland and the Teaching Team
Leading Questions
- Compassion is an action, but it’s made up of emotions. Can you identify the emotions you feel?
Text
What’s next?
Laura will be tackling the topic of shame.
