Getting to Know Jesus for Lent by Sarah Sanford

Getting to Know Jesus for Lent

Sarah Sanford

Day 1 of 7: Jesus and Compassion

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

Matthew 9:35–36 (NLT)

As an elementary school teacher, it is easy to have compassion for the children in my classroom. They are innocent, eager to learn, and aim to please. As their teacher, I am not just a person who imparts knowledge to them; I also act as nurse, social worker, psychologist, and mom. As the year progresses, we become a family, encouraging and caring for each other. This type of compassion is easy to pour out to those around me because I am invested in their lives.

The compassion Jesus demonstrated throughout his life was not always for people like the children in my classroom. Rather, he felt compassion for the less fortunate members of society. There are numerous examples throughout the gospels pointing to Jesus’s compassion. In Matthew 20, he restores sight to two blind beggars. Matthew 20:34 (NIV) says, “Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.” In Mark 1, we read how Jesus healed a man with leprosy. Mark 1:41 (NLT) recalls that, “moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him.” This healing, as well as many others recounted in Mark 1, occurred at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry on earth. Surely, it was an integral part of his ministry to not only perform miracles but to show love to those who society had neglected.

Our verses for today illustrate the depth of Jesus’ compassion. We discover that as Jesus moved about the countryside, teaching and proclaiming the Good News, he also healed every kind of disease and illness. As news spread of this man’s incredible power, we can only imagine how large the gatherings would have been!

In Matthew 9:36 (NLT), however, we get a glimpse into the Son of God’s perspective: “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” His heart was filled with love and concern for every single person who came to be in his presence.

Although Jesus is not physically on earth the way he was before, he still has the same compassion for all the people who search for him. He not only wants to shower that compassion upon our lives; he also wants us, in turn, to shower others with compassion.

As we move through the Lenten season, examine who receives your compassion. Then perhaps take a small step to move beyond that circle and expand your compassion to those whom Jesus did. It may not be the sick or blind, but you may find someone who is going through a difficult time and needs to know someone cares. As Matthew 9:37 (NLT) says, “the harvest is great, but the workers are few.” Today, take one small step towards caring for and helping those who God puts in your path.

Day 1 of 7: Jesus and Compassion

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