Compassion of Jesus

The compassion of Jesus is a central theme in the Gospels, reflecting His deep love and mercy towards humanity. This compassion is not merely an emotional response but is consistently demonstrated through His actions and teachings. In Matthew 9:36 , it is written, "When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." This verse highlights Jesus' empathy and concern for the spiritual and physical well-being of the people.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus' compassion is evident in His healing of the sick, feeding of the hungry, and His interactions with those marginalized by society. In Mark 1:41 , Jesus encounters a leper and, "Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. 'I am willing,' He said, 'Be clean!'" This act of healing not only restores the man's health but also his place in the community, demonstrating Jesus' desire to restore and reconcile.

Jesus' compassion extends to His teachings, where He emphasizes love, mercy, and forgiveness. In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus illustrates the importance of showing mercy to others, regardless of social or ethnic boundaries. His compassion is also evident in His response to the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11), where He offers forgiveness and a call to repentance, rather than condemnation.

Mission of Jesus

The mission of Jesus is intricately linked to His compassion, as He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). His mission is rooted in the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth. In Luke 4:18-19 , Jesus declares His mission by quoting the prophet Isaiah: "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."

Central to Jesus' mission is the proclamation of the Gospel, the good news of salvation through faith in Him. In John 3:16 , the purpose of His mission is encapsulated: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This mission is not limited to a specific group but extends to all humanity, offering redemption and reconciliation with God.

Jesus' mission also involves the establishment of a new covenant, as foretold by the prophets. Through His death and resurrection, He inaugurates this covenant, offering forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life. In Matthew 26:28 , during the Last Supper, Jesus states, "This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."

Furthermore, Jesus commissions His disciples to continue His mission, instructing them to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). This Great Commission underscores the ongoing nature of Jesus' mission, calling His followers to spread the message of His love and salvation to the ends of the earth.

In summary, Jesus' compassion and mission are deeply intertwined, reflecting His divine purpose to bring healing, restoration, and salvation to a broken world. His life and teachings continue to inspire and guide believers in their faith and service to others.