How can we emulate Jesus' compassion in John 11:33 in our daily lives? The scene at Bethany “ When Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.” (John 11:33) • Martha has confessed faith, Mary is sobbing, friends are grieving. • Jesus stands amid authentic sorrow and lets it pierce His own heart. • The word translated “deeply moved” carries the sense of aching emotion that cannot stay hidden. What we learn about the heart of Jesus • He notices tears before He offers solutions. • He allows longing and loss to touch Him—even though He is minutes away from raising Lazarus. • His compassion is not detached pity; it is shared experience (Hebrews 4:15). Keys to imitating His compassion 1. Slow down and see people. • Jesus “saw her weeping.” Slowing our pace allows us to perceive hurting hearts. 2. Feel first, speak later. • Proverbs 25:20 warns that singing cheerful songs to a heavy heart is like taking away a coat on a cold day. 3. Enter their experience. • “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15) 4. Let compassion drive action. • Jesus moves from tears to commanding, “Lazarus, come out!” (v. 43) • Genuine care expresses itself in concrete help—meals, presence, advocacy. 5. Guard tenderness. • Colossians 3:12: “Put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” • Regular time in the Gospels keeps hearts soft. Practical steps for the week ahead • Identify one person carrying grief or stress; schedule time to listen without agenda. • Keep tissues handy—literal or figurative—and refuse to be embarrassed by tears, yours or theirs. • Set a reminder each morning: “Feel before I fix.” • Practice short breath prayers such as “Lord, break my heart for what breaks Yours.” • Volunteer once this week where pain is obvious—hospital, nursing home, crisis-pregnancy center—letting proximity nurture compassion. Scriptures that strengthen compassion • Matthew 9:36: “When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” • Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” • 1 Peter 3:8: “Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble.” Let each encounter become an opportunity to mirror the Savior who felt deeply and acted decisively, turning sorrow into hope. |
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