Which New Testament teachings align with the compassion shown in Psalm 72:13? Psalm 72:13 in Focus “He will have compassion on the poor and needy and save the lives of the needy.” Compassion Embodied in Jesus • Matthew 9:36 – “When Jesus saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them…” • Matthew 14:14 – “He had compassion on them and healed their sick.” • Mark 6:34 – “He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.” • Luke 7:13 – “When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said, ‘Do not weep.’” • The Messiah of Psalm 72 finds literal fulfillment in Christ’s tender care for the physically, spiritually, and socially oppressed. Gospel Teachings that Mirror Psalm 72:13 • Luke 4:18 – Jesus reads Isaiah’s prophecy, declaring He is sent “to proclaim good news to the poor…to set free the oppressed.” • Matthew 25:34-40 – Caring for “the least of these” is treated as service rendered to Christ Himself. • Luke 14:13-14 – “Invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.” • John 10:11 – As the Good Shepherd, He “lays down His life for the sheep,” saving the lives of the needy exactly as Psalm 72 foretells. The Early Church Living Out Compassion • Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35 – Believers share possessions so “there was not a needy person among them.” • Acts 9:36 – Dorcas “was always doing good and helping the poor.” • Galatians 2:10 – Paul remembers “the poor,” a priority embraced by all the apostles. Direct Apostolic Instructions • Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another.” • Colossians 3:12 – “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility…” • James 1:27 – Pure religion “to look after orphans and widows in their distress.” • 1 John 3:17 – Withholding help from a brother in need contradicts God’s love. • 1 Peter 3:8 – “All of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble.” Why This Matters for Us • Psalm 72:13 sets a prophetic benchmark: the King’s compassion is practical, sacrificial, and life-saving. • The New Testament consistently presents Jesus as the perfect fulfillment and commands His followers to continue that same compassionate mission. • By taking these teachings literally and seriously, believers today display the righteous reign of Christ in tangible ways, proving that the Savior still “has compassion on the poor and needy and saves the lives of the needy.” |
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