He was Moved with Compassion

Matthew 9:36-37, “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.”

I really like the passage of Scripture. The verse right before talks about how Jesus was going from city to city teaching and healing people throughout the areas. Jesus had to have been weary. He had to have been tired from being on the go and teaching so much, yet He still took time for others. They Bible says, “When he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them.”

The first thing Jesus did was saw. He could’ve just turned His head and not paid any attention to the people. I’m sure He had a long day. He could’ve focused on His own desires, but He didn’t. He saw the multitudes.

After He saw, He was moved. Seeing a need isn’t enough to meet the need. Meeting a need requires action. Jesus was moved with compassion in this passage. Seeing someone’s need for the Gospel isn’t enough. We must be moved with compassion–moved enough to do something about that. That’s what compassion is. Yes, compassion is having pity on and feeling bad for someone, but I believe compassion is much more than that. Many of the times, if not all the times, we find compassion in the Bible, it is associated with an action. Jude 22 says, “And of some have compassion, making a difference.” Just having pity on someone will not make a difference. It requires action.

This world could use some Christ-like compassion. Who is it that you could show some compassion to today? Jesus said in the above verse, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.”