Topical Bible: Compassion and Sympathy: Christ Set an Example of

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In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is portrayed as the ultimate example of compassion and sympathy, demonstrating these virtues through His actions, teachings, and interactions with others. His life and ministry provide a model for believers to emulate, emphasizing the importance of love, mercy, and understanding in the Christian faith.

Compassion in Action

Jesus' compassion is vividly illustrated in His healing ministry. 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 Jesus' deep empathy for those who were suffering, prompting Him to act and bring relief to the afflicted. Similarly, in Mark 1:41 , when a leper approached Jesus, "Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. 'I am willing,' He said, 'Be clean!'" Here, Jesus not only heals the man but also breaks social norms by touching someone considered unclean, demonstrating His profound sympathy and willingness to restore dignity to the marginalized.

Teaching Compassion

Jesus' teachings further underscore the importance of compassion. In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus illustrates that true neighborly love transcends ethnic and social boundaries. The Samaritan's actions, driven by compassion, serve as a powerful lesson on the necessity of showing mercy to all, regardless of their background. Jesus concludes the parable by instructing, "Go and do likewise" (Luke 10:37), urging His followers to embody the same compassion in their lives.

Sympathy for the Grieving

Jesus also displayed sympathy for those experiencing grief and loss. In John 11:33-35 , upon seeing Mary and the Jews weeping over the death of Lazarus, "He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled... Jesus wept." This moment reveals Jesus' genuine empathy and shared sorrow with those who mourn, affirming His humanity and His ability to relate to human suffering.

Compassion for the Lost

Jesus' compassion extended to those who were spiritually lost. 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." This compassion motivated Jesus to teach, guide, and ultimately sacrifice Himself for the salvation of humanity. His mission was driven by a deep desire to reconcile people with God, offering hope and redemption to all.

A Model for Believers

The example set by Christ calls believers to cultivate compassion and sympathy in their own lives. In Ephesians 4:32 , the apostle Paul exhorts, "Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." This directive reflects the essence of Christ's example, encouraging Christians to mirror His love and mercy in their interactions with others.

Through His life and teachings, Jesus Christ exemplified compassion and sympathy, setting a standard for His followers to pursue. His actions and words continue to inspire and challenge believers to live out these virtues in a world in need of love and understanding.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 19:41,42
And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ's Peace
... it possible to reproduce His gentleness, sympathy, compassion, insight into ... in his
heart can say what Christ said, 'Not ... that dear Son who has set the example ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/christs peace.htm

The Compassion of Jesus
... of friends would be unavailing, he has been moved with compassion towards us ... traduced,
and slandered, we have found in the sympathy of Christ our richest ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 60 1914/the compassion of jesus.htm

The Servant's Inflexible Resolve
... able at every moment to give His whole sympathy to all ... Not only was Christ's firmness
that of a fixed Will ... The very compassion and pity of His nature led to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the servants inflexible resolve.htm

The Toiling Christ
... men round about Him that needed His sympathy and His ... wept and rejoiced, that was
moved with compassion, and sometimes ... Christ, in the sweat of His brow, won our ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the toiling christ.htm

Jesus at the Bier
... to the Evangelist that says, 'When He saw her He had compassion upon her ... the thoughts
that dry our tears, the assurance of the sympathy of Christ, and the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/jesus at the bier.htm

Christian Sympathy
... If there be no act there is no sympathy. ... have need, and shutteth up his bowels of
compassion from him ... persuaded that there are times when, if Christ were upon ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/christian sympathy.htm

Christ
... Compassion, sympathy, beneficence, the tenderness of a mother for her ... But this
exaltation of the human Christ is simply setting ... He is set up as man that he may ...
//christianbookshelf.org/haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/christ.htm

The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
... of body and soul, and in vicarious sympathy with the ... the heart of man, shed tears
of compassion over ungrateful ... Christ has set up a far higher standard by his ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm

The Pattern of Service
... In his pages we read of Christ's grief at the ... their unbelief, of His being moved
with compassion for an ... by reason of its purity, throbbed in sympathy with all ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the pattern of service.htm

Introduction
... to insignificance by this incomparable courage of Christ. ... is the boundless and tender
sympathy of this ... picture of such perfect compassion, tenderness, and love ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/introduction.htm