Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

The Compassionate Example
Read Mark 6:30-44

When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. Mark 6:34

Overwhelming! That is the word we can use to describe the dire needs of people across Asia. There are many who are malnourished, many who have contracted AIDS, and thousands who have been affected by some kind of natural disaster or disease. If we really want to care, the task would seem overwhelming.

Jesus teaches us how to be compassionate through actions. Firstly, He notices people and their needs. The disciples needed rest (v 31) and the people were looking for leadership (v 34). Second, He took it upon Himself to show compassion towards these people. He then sought the Father’s power to use the resources He had to complete the task.

Some of us do not see the task of meeting the physical needs of people as the task of Christians. The disciples apparently did not see this task as something they had to perform. Yet Jesus clearly asked them to feed the people (vs 37). Jesus showed them that compassion for people included their physical well-being as well. He was concerned with the whole person.

Many of us also do not proceed further, after seeing the vast needs of people around us. We are just too overwhelmed by our lack of ability to help. In many cases we just do not have the time or money to help. Jesus shows us that God can use whatever we offer to complete the task of compassion.

Let us ask God to enlarge our hearts to go beyond just seeing the needs but also meeting them with whatever we have.

In what specific way can we show compassion to someone in your neighbourhood?