Man vs. FeelingsSample

The Compassion of Jesus

As you probably know, John 11:35 (“Jesus wept.”) is one of the shortest verses in the Bible—the fan favorite for all Bible memorization games!

Yet, I think it’s probably one of the most powerful.

When I read this verse, I struggle to wrap my head around how Jesus could know that the relatives who were grieving Lazarus’ death would soon “see the glory of God” (John 11:40) when Lazarus was raised from the dead a few minutes later—yet He still wept in heartbreak with Mary.

Truth be told, if I were in His position and knew what He knew, I’d probably just kneel down with Mary and tell her to stop crying because everything would change in just a few minutes.

Evidently, He’s still working on me.

Yet, Jesus takes His time with the heartbroken, remains with them in their pain, and even weeps with them.

That’s compassion.

The Greek word for “compassion” is splagchnizomai, and I’ll never forget my pastor’s teaching that this word literally means being so deeply affected by the suffering of others that you’re moved in your guts.

That’s how deeply Jesus cares.

The thing is—He’s always cared. Compassion is core to who the Lord is. When He began to describe Himself to His people in the Old Testament, He started by describing Himself as “compassionate and gracious” (Exodus 34:6-7).

When someone tells you who they are, believe them.

No matter what we feel, today’s verses invite us to tell the Lord to “come and see” our tears, frustrations, and pain.

When we do, we can expect to witness the compassion that He feels for us. We may even find Him weeping with us.

After it all, we’ll be able to look back and say, “See how He loved us.”

Prayer: Lord, thank You for being a God who feels compassion for us. As we receive the revelation that this is who You are, stir us to come to You in prayer with all that we feel, trusting that You won’t ridicule or condemn us. As we receive and enjoy the gift of Your compassion, make us compassionate towards everyone we encounter by the power of the Holy Spirit. Help us feel the compassion that You feel for the broken, hurting, and lost. Amen.

Reflection: What emotions can you bring to the Lord today and trust that He’ll respond with compassion? Who in your life needs the compassion of Jesus today? How can you serve this person with the Lord’s compassion?