Jesus Christ's pity and loving concern for the lowly and the needy. His words and deeds show God's merciful and gracious nature in action.
Jesus Christ shows the compassion of God
2 Corinthians 1:3 See also 2 Chronicles 36:15; Psalm 86:15; Hosea 11:4, Hosea 11:8–9; Luke 1:72, Luke 1:78, Luke 15:20
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,
The compassion of Jesus Christ is the basis of Christian confidence
Hebrews 4:14–16 The Greek word here translated “sympathise” has the sense of “be compassionate towards”.
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
The demonstration of Jesus Christ's compassion
In supporting the weak
Matthew 12:20 See also Isaiah 42:3; Matthew 19:14 parallels Mark 10:14, Luke 18:16
A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish, till He leads justice to victory.
In healing the sick
Matthew 14:14 parallel Luke 9:11 See also Matthew 20:34 parallels Mark 10:52, Luke 18:42–43; Mark 1:41 parallels Matthew 8:3, Luke 5:13; Luke 13:12
When He stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.
In comforting the bereaved
Luke 7:13 See also Luke 8:50 parallel Mark 5:36; John 11:33–35, John 19:25–27, John 20:14–16
When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said, “Do not weep.”
In feeding the hungry
Matthew 15:32 parallel Mark 8:2–3 See also Matthew 14:16 parallels Mark 6:37, Luke 9:13, John 6:5–6
Then Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I have compassion for this crowd, because they have already been with Me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may faint along the way.”
In finding and forgiving lost sinners
Matthew 9:36 parallel Mark 6:34 See also Isaiah 40:11; Matthew 18:14, Matthew 23:37–38 parallel Luke 13:34–35; Luke 7:47–48; John 8:10–11
When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
In giving rest to those who are burdened or abandoned
Matthew 11:28–29 See also Mark 1:40–41 parallels Matthew 8:1–3, Luke 5:12–13; Luke 11:46, Luke 15:1–2, Luke 17:12–14
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Jesus Christ's compassion is a model for Christians to follow
Luke 10:36–37 See also John 13:34, John 17:18; Philippians 2:1
Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” “The one who showed him mercy,” replied the expert in the law. Then Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.