In my last article I wrote about the difference between religion and having a relationship with Jesus. Over my next several articles I want to explain in greater detail what it means to have a relationship with Jesus. The first thing I want to look at is Jesus’ compassion.
As a pastor of a church that is mainly senior adults, I spend a lot of time praying for people who struggle with their health, visiting people in the hospital or on home hospice. I’ve written in my articles before that I’ve struggled with my own health issues for over 15 years. I have found that the compassion that Jesus has for me and all of us has given me strength to not only make it through the darkest days, but to serve Jesus as a pastor here at Oak Street Baptist Church.
When we read through the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John we see many examples of Jesus’ compassion. I will share three of those with you. “And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.” (Matthew 14:14 NKJV) “Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” (Mark 1:41 NKJV) “When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.”” (Luke 7:13 NKJV)
In the Gospel of Matthew, we read; “Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. (Matthew 9:35-36 NKJV)
Jesus public ministry consisted of preaching the gospel of the kingdom. He taught people how we are to live as His disciples. Jesus took time during His ministry connecting with people because of His compassion. Jesus was not just concerned with our spiritual state, He has compassion on our physical state.
Jesus still takes time to look at all of our lives. He sees when we are going through health challenges, relationship issues, financial problem, and He has compassion on us. In the Gospel of Matthew, we read, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV)
One of my favorite songs is Softly and Tenderly. The lyrics: Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, Calling for you and for me, See on the portals He’s waiting and watching, Watching for you and for me, Come home, come home, Ye who are weary come home, Earnestly, tenderly Jesus is calling, Calling, “O sinner come home”
Pastor Timothy Hammond Oak Street Baptist Church
