The Hart of Christ
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The term "Hart of Christ" is not a direct biblical phrase but rather a metaphorical expression used to describe the compassionate and tender heart of Jesus Christ. The imagery of a "hart," or a male deer, is often associated with grace, beauty, and gentleness, qualities that are emblematic of Christ's nature and His relationship with humanity.

Biblical Imagery of the Hart

In the Bible, the hart is frequently used as a symbol of longing and desire for God. Psalm 42:1 states, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God." This verse captures the deep yearning of the soul for communion with the Divine, reflecting the spiritual thirst that only Christ can satisfy. The hart's pursuit of water is likened to the believer's pursuit of Christ, who offers the living water of eternal life (John 4:14).

Christ's Compassionate Heart

The Gospels provide numerous accounts of Christ's compassion and mercy, which are central to understanding the "Hart of Christ." In Matthew 9:36 , it is written, "When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." This passage highlights Christ's deep empathy and concern for the spiritual and physical needs of the people.

Similarly, in Mark 1:41 , Jesus, moved with compassion, reaches out to heal a leper, saying, "I am willing, be clean." This act of healing not only demonstrates His power but also His willingness to touch the untouchable and love the unlovable, reflecting the tender heart of the Savior.

The Heart of Christ in Redemption

The ultimate expression of the Hart of Christ is found in His sacrificial love on the cross. Romans 5:8 declares, "But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This selfless act of redemption is the pinnacle of Christ's love and compassion, offering salvation to all who believe.

In John 15:13 , Jesus states, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." The Hart of Christ is revealed in His willingness to lay down His life, demonstrating the greatest love possible.

The Hart of Christ in Intercession

Even after His resurrection and ascension, the Hart of Christ continues to be active through His intercessory role. Hebrews 7:25 affirms, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them." Christ's ongoing intercession for believers is a testament to His enduring love and commitment to His people.

The Call to Imitate the Hart of Christ

Believers are called to emulate the Hart of Christ in their own lives. Ephesians 4:32 exhorts, "Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." The call to be tenderhearted reflects the character of Christ, urging believers to live out His love and compassion in their interactions with others.

In summary, the Hart of Christ is a profound representation of His love, compassion, and sacrificial nature. Through His life, death, and ongoing intercession, Christ exemplifies the perfect heart, inviting all to experience and reflect His love.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Songs 2:9,17
My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he stands behind our wall, he looks forth at the windows, showing himself through the lattice.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Songs 8:14
Make haste, my beloved, and be you like to a roe or to a young hart on the mountains of spices.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Rev. Mr. Hart's Address.
... Professor Hart of Trinity College then gave an account of the second day of the ... Before
the service began, the Rector of Christ Church, Hartford, on behalf of a ...
/.../the sermons and addresses at the seabury centenary/rev mr harts address.htm

'Then Shall the Lame Man Leap as an Hart'
... 'THEN SHALL THE LAME MAN LEAP AS AN HART'. ... Then Peter said, Silver and gold have
I none; but such as I have give I:thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/then shall the lame man.htm

Flee Away, My Beloved, and be Thou Like to a Roe or to a Young ...
... my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the ... to the end of the
world before we can find this precious pearl.--Imitation of Jesus Christ. ...
/.../guyon/song of songs of solomon/14 flee away my beloved.htm

A Homily on the Beatitudes, St. Matt. v. 9-Jan
... as he had set one man straight on his feet, so he healed these many thousands of
believers in their hearts, and made them "leap as an hart" in Christ whom he ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leo/writings of leo the great/sermon xcv a homily on.htm

Argument. --That Christ is God, is Proved by the Authority of the ...
... of the deaf shall hear; then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the ... should be
the signs which come to pass; let men acknowledge either that Christ is the ...
/.../chapter xii argument that christ is.htm

The Death of Christ for his People
... churches of the Lord Jesus, that my sins are entirely removed from me; and, in God's
sight, I may sing, as Hart did sing,". "With Christ's spotless vesture on ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/the death of christ for.htm

Christum Wir Sollen Loben Schon. Now Praise we Christ, the Holy ...
... 8. Honor to thee, O Christ, be paid, Pure offspring of a holy maid, With Father ... 6.
Er lag im Heu mit Armuth gross, Die Krippen hart ihn nicht verdross, Es ward ...
/.../bacon/the hymns of martin luther/vii christum wir sollen loben.htm

Argument. --Further, that the Same Rule of Truth Teaches us to ...
... For this Jesus Christ, I will once more say, the Son of this God, we read of as ... ears
of the deaf shall hear: then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the ...
/.../chapter ix argument further that the.htm

Christ's Work and Death Foretold.
... that our Christ should heal all diseases and raise the dead, hear what was said.
There are these words: "At His coming the lame shall leap as an hart, and the ...
/.../justin/the first apology of justin/chapter xlviii christs work and death.htm

The Strength of Christ's Love. Ssong 8:5-7,13,14.
... On her beloved Lord she leans. This is the spouse of Christ our God,. ... Cut short
the hours of thy delay; Fly like a youthful hart or roe. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 78 the strength of.htm

Resources
Hart: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Hart

Hart and Hind

The Hart of Christ

The Hart of Converted Sinners

The Hart: (Panting for Water) Afflicted Saints Longing for God

The Hart: (Sure-Footedness of) Experienced Saints

The Hart: (Without Pasture) the Persecuted

The Hart: Clean and Used As Food

The Hart: Female of Brings Forth at Appointed Time

The Hart: Female of Brings Forth at the Voice of God

The Hart: Female of Brings Forth With Difficulty

The Hart: Female of Called the Hind

The Hart: Female of Delights in Freedom

The Hart: Female of Forsakes Her Young in Famine

The Hart: Female of Kind and Affectionate

The Hart: Often Hunted

The Hart: Young of, Abundantly Provided For

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The Harsh Response to the People
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