THE COMPASSION OF JESUS

“I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And if I send them away hungry to their own houses, they will faint on the way…” ~ Mark 8:2-3

REFERENCE: Mark 8:1-3

It is reassuring to know that we do not serve a God whose very thought strikes terror in our hearts, but we serve a God who is love; He is a Father and a friend. What distinguishes Him from others who claim the title ‘god’ is that He is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and abundant in mercy. The multitude in our text experienced the compassion of Jesus firsthand.

God cares about you. His compassion covers man’s spiritual, mental, and physical needs. He taught people the word, healed their sicknesses, delivered them from demonic influences, and here, His heart yearned for them because they had been with him for three days without food. If they had brought food, it must have finished. They were in a desert where they could not buy food and were far from home. Jesus took note of these and responded in love.

Jesus is not an absent-minded Father, unaware of your troubles, pains, or needs. He doesn’t abandon His own when the going gets tough. God knows your situation and your expectations. He has not forgotten you; He is presently working on that matter. It may feel lonely sometimes but be rest assured of the compassion of Jesus. He knows, and He cares for you.

If you do not know the compassion of Jesus, you will struggle with despair while going through a tough season. Jesus waited until the third day before feeding the multitude. He knew they had not reached their limit, and it was important that they learned the word in their wilderness. Some people may have given up and gone home before the third day because they did not understand the compassion of Jesus. By quitting, they missed Jesus’ miracle of provision.

You may be where this multitude was on that day; all you have is the word of promise (the teachings of Jesus), yet, you have unmet needs and desperate expectations. Jesus has good in store for you; He has prepared the best for you. He sees every tear, feels every pain, knows every pressure, and hears every cry. Rest in the compassion of Jesus; your miracle will come.

PHOTO QUOTE

ADDITIONAL STUDY:

Hebrews 4:14-16, Psalm 103:13-14, and Psalm 145:15 (AMPC)

PRAYERS:

+ Pray for the grace to walk by faith, not by sight, to believe the best about God no matter the situation.

+ Ask and receive strength not to faint or throw in the towel before the breakthrough comes.

+ Lord, I draw from Your compassion today, all that I need to meet my deepest needs.