Topical Bible: Character of Christ: Compassionate

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The compassion of Jesus Christ is a central aspect of His character, vividly portrayed throughout the New Testament. His compassion is not merely an emotional response but a profound expression of His divine love and mercy, manifesting in His actions and teachings.

Biblical Instances of Compassion

1. Healing the Sick: One of the most frequent demonstrations of Christ's compassion is His healing of the sick. In Matthew 14:14 , it is recorded, "When He stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick." This passage highlights how Jesus was moved by the suffering of others, prompting Him to act.

2. Feeding the Hungry: Jesus' compassion is also evident in His concern for the physical needs of the people. In the account of the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus says, "I have compassion for this crowd, because they have already been with Me three days and have nothing to eat" (Mark 8:2). His compassion leads to the miraculous provision of food, demonstrating His care for both spiritual and physical well-being.

3. Raising the Dead: The account of the widow of Nain in Luke 7:13 illustrates Jesus' compassion in the face of death. "When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said, 'Do not weep.'" Moved by the widow's grief, Jesus raises her son from the dead, showcasing His power over death and His deep empathy for human sorrow.

4. Forgiving Sinners: Jesus' compassion extends to those burdened by sin. In John 8:11 , when addressing the woman caught in adultery, He says, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more." His response is a profound act of compassion, offering forgiveness and a new beginning rather than condemnation.

5. Teaching the Lost: Jesus' compassion is also evident in His teaching ministry. In Matthew 9:36 , it is noted, "When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." His compassion drives Him to teach and guide them, providing spiritual nourishment and direction.

Theological Significance

The compassion of Christ is a reflection of God's own nature, as seen in the Old Testament, where God is described as "compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth" (Exodus 34:6). Jesus, as the incarnate Son of God, embodies this divine compassion, offering a tangible expression of God's love for humanity.

Practical Implications

For believers, the compassion of Christ serves as both a comfort and a model. It reassures them of His understanding and care in times of suffering and need. Moreover, it challenges them to emulate His compassion in their own lives, extending love and mercy to others as a reflection of Christ's character. The Apostle Paul encourages this imitation in Ephesians 4:32 , "Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you."

In summary, the compassionate character of Christ is a profound testament to His divine love and mercy, offering healing, forgiveness, and guidance to all who seek Him. His compassion is a cornerstone of His earthly ministry and a continual source of inspiration and instruction for His followers.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 40:11
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 19:41
And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Jesus Christ an Example of Prayer
... The Christ character, the Christ life, and the Christ spirit, must be ours if we ...
We must be as praying, as tearful, and as compassionate as was Christ. ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/vii jesus christ an example.htm

Christianity a Light.
... Compassionate. ... length, showing by the Scriptures that the character of a Christian,
or his nature or life is the same as the life or character of Christ. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter i christianity a light.htm

Christ Our Advocate
... for the interposition of an advocate; that the sinner's relations are such, and
his character such, that ... Now observe: Christ is the compassionate friend of ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xvii christ our advocate.htm

The Character of Its Teachings Evidences the Divine Authorship of ...
... a world than to believe he invented the character of our ... In Christ all excellencies
combine ... yet regal; He was gentle yet fearless; He was compassionate yet just ...
/.../pink/the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter four the character of.htm

Fourteenth Day. The Holy one of God.
... Such is the Divine aspect of the character of Christ ... And then remember, also, that
this Christ is thy Saviour, the most patient and compassionate of teachers ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/holy in christ/fourteenth day the holy one.htm

The Meek and Lowly One
... a tender heart as his, never such a compassionate face ... the same, and so distort the
face of Christ, and so ... of giving the true likeness of his character that you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the meek and lowly one.htm

Bethesda and the Sanhedrin
... his head to gaze at the pool, when a tender, compassionate face bent ... in Israel; but
when others should come, assuming the character of Christ, but actuated ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 21 bethesda and the.htm

Our Compassionate High Priest
... the aching heart; but he cannot be compassionate to those ... but with others of a different
character he is ... The people who claim Christ's aim are generally those ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/our compassionate high priest.htm

"Let not Your Heart be Troubled"
... How earnestly and perseveringly our compassionate Saviour sought to prepare His ... Through
an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 73 let not your.htm

The God of the Old Testament is the God of the New
... should think of Jesus as utterly tender and true, compassionate and merciful, and ...
Think of the whole Christ, and not of some part of his character which may ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xi the god of.htm