Compassion of Jesus

The compassion of Jesus is a central theme in the New Testament, reflecting His divine nature and His mission to bring healing and salvation to humanity. The Gospels frequently depict Jesus as being moved by compassion, which often leads to miraculous acts of healing and provision. 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 passage highlights Jesus' deep empathy for the spiritual and physical needs of the people.

Jesus' compassion is not limited to physical healing but extends to spiritual restoration. In Mark 1:40-41 , a leper approaches Jesus, imploring Him for healing. "Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. 'I am willing,' He said, 'Be clean!'" This act of touching a leper, who was considered unclean, demonstrates Jesus' willingness to break social and religious barriers to show love and mercy.

The feeding of the 5,000, as recorded in Matthew 14:13-21 , is another example of Jesus' compassion. Despite His own need for solitude after hearing of John the Baptist's death, Jesus is moved by the needs of the crowd and miraculously provides for them. His compassion is not merely an emotional response but is accompanied by action that meets the needs of those around Him.

Forgiveness of Jesus

Forgiveness is a cornerstone of Jesus' teaching and ministry, emphasizing the transformative power of grace and mercy. Jesus' approach to forgiveness is radical, extending even to those who are considered sinners and outcasts. In Luke 7:47-48 , Jesus forgives a sinful woman who anoints His feet, saying, "Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven, as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little." This passage illustrates that forgiveness is available to all who come to Jesus in faith and repentance.

The parable of the prodigal son, found in Luke 15:11-32 , further exemplifies Jesus' teaching on forgiveness. The father in the parable, representing God, welcomes his wayward son back with open arms, illustrating the boundless forgiveness available to those who return to God. This parable underscores the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.

Jesus' ultimate act of forgiveness is demonstrated on the cross. In Luke 23:34 , as He is being crucified, Jesus prays, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." This profound statement reveals Jesus' willingness to forgive even those who are actively persecuting Him, embodying the depth of divine mercy.

The call to forgive others is a significant aspect of Jesus' teaching. In Matthew 6:14-15 , Jesus instructs, "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours." This teaching emphasizes the reciprocal nature of forgiveness and the importance of extending the same grace to others that one has received from God.

In summary, Jesus' compassion and forgiveness are integral to His ministry and message. His actions and teachings reveal a Savior who is deeply moved by human suffering and who offers forgiveness to all who seek it, embodying the love and mercy of God.