“Moved with compassion” Matthew 14:14

“Moved with Compassion” Today we are going to be studying the topic of “Compassion”. Compassion is something that we need to develop more into our lives. Jesus was compassionate, and he expects for us to follow his example. As we look to our lives and our responses to certain challenges… We realize that we should learn and grow to be more like Jesus in being “moved with compassion”.

“Compassion” G4697 σπλαγχνίζομαι splagchnizomai splangkh-nid'-zom-ahee Middle voice from G4698; to have the bowels yearn, that is, (figuratively) feel sympathy, to pity: - have (be moved with) compassion.

Jesus Demonstrates Compassion Matthew 14:14, Jesus was “moved with compassion” for the multitude and healed their sick. Matthew 20:29-34, Jesus “had compassion” on two blind men. Mark 1:40-41, Jesus was “moved with compassion” for a leper who came to Him. Luke 7:11-14, Jesus “had compassion” on the widow in a city called Nain. Mark 6:34, Jesus was “moved with compassion”, so He taught the multitudes.

Jesus Demonstrates Compassion He tended to the needs of those who were sick… (Even though He was dealing with other matters as well). He was able to pause from the direction He was taking…. to tend to the need of those who made specific requests. When He was able, He was willing. He was compassionate in comforting the lonely, who had suffered loss. He was moved with compassion for those who had no spiritual direction.

We Are to Follow the Lord’s Example 1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.” (NKJV) Jude 20-23, “…of some have compassion, making a difference” (KJV)

Challenging The lack of compassion Luke 18:9-14, Did the Pharisee’s righteousness excuse him from holding his fellow man in contempt? Mark 3:1-6, There was no concern for the man’s condition; only in finding fault with Jesus. Luke 7:36-50, Simon wasn’t so much interested in the forgiveness of sins, but rather avoiding sinful people

Challenging The lack of compassion Romans 12:16 “Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.” (NKJV) Proverbs 14:20 “The poor man is hated even by his own neighbor, But the rich has many friends.” (NKJV) Do we show the compassion of Jesus or the intolerance of the Pharisees? Does our concern move us to teach even the “least” sinner? When our brother stumbles, do we hold him with contempt?

Lessons from Jesus’ Example… With regard to Jesus’ example, we’ve learned that… We should be willing to tend to the needs of others (Even though we might be dealing with other matters as well). We ought to be willing to pause from what we are doing to tend to the needs of others. When we are able, we should always be willing. Are we compassionate in comforting the lonely and those who have suffered loss? Are we moved with compassion for those who have no spiritual direction? We should be concerned about other people’s spiritual and physical circumstances.

Lessons from Jesus’ Example… We’ve also looked at how Jesus was very much disappointed in those who lacked compassion… We need to be careful that we do not become so sure of our righteousness that we begin to treat others with contempt. (Luke 18:9-14) Let us not be those who sit back and say or do nothing when given an opportunity to be “moved with compassion”. (Mark 3:1-5) Also, let us not be afraid to rejoice when there is worthy cause to do so! We need to be willing to reach out and to teach those who are caught up in sin.

“Moved with compassion” Matthew 14:14