As Jesus made his way around the region, crowds of people were constantly coming to him, seeking healing for all sorts of difficult ailments and conditions. We read this week that Jesus had compassion on them. He was moved by the struggles and sorrow they faced. He brought healing. He saw difficulties and wanted to help. The notion that Jesus had compassion for the people is powerful. They came to him looking for help, and Jesus truly saw them and the troubles they were dealing with. He heard their stories and wiped their tears. Then, he empowered his disciples to go out and do the same.
Compassion is a powerful emotional response. Within compassion, we feel sorrow at the suffering of another person and we are moved to help. It matters that compassion creates a desire to help. When we feel “harassed and helpless” like the crowds, the notion that God has compassion for us in our struggles is comforting and somehow gives us hope. We realize that we are not alone, God is with us.
As we consider the way Jesus sees and connects with the crowds, we learn that God truly sees us and the troubles that we’re dealing with. God truly yearns to help. That is what brought God to come into our world in human form. Jesus brings healing, hope and new life.
Peace,
Alicia