Being Compassionate

Christ served as priest before God.

We needed a priest to help us. God didn’t have to help us. We deserved judgment for our rebellious ways. He could have let us die in our sins. But God mercifully sent His Son Jesus Christ to be a priest on our behalf.

1) The Need for a Priest

“ ... He (Christ) Himself bore the sin of many, And interceded for the transgressors.” (Isaiah 53:12)

What are the two things Jesus Christ did in the above verse?

1. He Himself ____________________________________.

2. (He) _______________ for the ____________________.

Jesus Christ bore the sin of all His people when He died on the cross. Notice the kind of people He interceded or prayed for. It was for sinners.

God showed mercy to sinners who didn’t deserve it. So why wouldn’t we show compassion on others when we ourselves had been shown compassion? Whenever we see this lack of mercy, we need to remind ourselves of God’s great mercy for us and others. We need to be full of compassion. God’s full anger upon sin will come on Judgment Day. Right now we are to busily help others escape His coming anger by proclaiming how God through Jesus Christ can deliver people out from their sins.

2) The Obedience Priest

“Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation” (Hebrews 5:8-9).

Notice Christ’s example. We deserved to suffer, but Jesus the Righteous One suffered for us. What horrible pain He bore! That is compassion. Christ endured those thorns, scourgings and even death so that we the sinners could have eternal life.

Sometimes those who share the Gospel with non-Christians or help people who are being oppressed are persecuted. Tell the Lord in a prayer that you want courage and strength to help show His love to others like Christ.

3) Our Response

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

From the above verse, we read how Christ Jesus as a gift was given to us. But not every one is equally benefitted. Underline the key word that emphasizes what applies Christ’s sacrifice to our sins.

Application: Develop deep appreciation for God’s love for you by thinking more about how He would love a sinner like you and I. Take time now to thank Him for His love