In what ways can we emulate Jesus' compassion shown in Luke 7:15? Setting the Scene Luke 7:15: “And the dead man sat up and began to speak! Then Jesus gave him back to his mother.” • A literal miracle: Jesus physically reverses death. • Compassion in action: He hands the living son to a grieving mother, restoring life and family. • This same heart still beats through His followers today. Key Marks of Jesus’ Compassion in the Verse • Personal connection—He sees not a crowd but a mother (v. 13). • Immediate intervention—He halts the funeral, touches the bier, speaks life (vv. 14-15). • Tangible restoration—He doesn’t simply comfort; He solves the crisis. • Public witness—His mercy becomes a testimony to onlookers (v. 16). Ways We Can Emulate His Compassion 1. See individuals, not statistics – “He saw her” (v. 13). Cultivate attentive eyes (Philippians 2:4). 2. Let compassion move us to action – Jesus “was moved with compassion” (Matthew 9:36). Feeling must translate into doing (1 John 3:17-18). 3. Touch the hurting – He touched the bier. Presence matters (Romans 12:15). 4. Speak life-giving words – “Young man, I say to you, get up!” Our tongues can lift weary souls (Proverbs 15:23). 5. Restore relationships – He “gave him back to his mother.” Work toward reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). 6. Trust God for the impossible – Only divine power raised the dead. Pray boldly (Ephesians 3:20). 7. Let mercy be seen publicly – The crowd glorified God (v. 16). Our kindness should point others to Christ (Matthew 5:16). Practical Steps for Today • Schedule margin so interruptions become ministry opportunities. • Keep a small “compassion fund” to meet sudden needs (James 2:15-16). • Volunteer where grief and loss are frequent—hospitals, funerals, support groups. • Send life-giving texts or calls to those “dead” in discouragement. • Mentor youths to restore them to families and to God. • Pray specifically for one “impossible” situation and watch for God’s opening. Scriptures to Fuel Our Obedience • Colossians 3:12—“Clothe yourselves with compassion…” • Ephesians 4:32—“Be kind and compassionate to one another…” • Galatians 6:2—“Carry one another’s burdens…” • Proverbs 19:17—“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD…” • Mark 6:34—Jesus “had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd…” Closing Reflection Jesus’ literal raising of the widow’s son showcases a heart that sees, feels, acts, and restores. As His followers, we are empowered to mirror that same compassion—eyes open, hands ready, words life-giving, faith unshaken—so that a watching world might glorify God. |
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