The compassion of Christ

compassion
• noun sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.
— ORIGIN Latin, from compati ‘suffer with’.

Christ was often “moved with compassion” before he helped others. The fact that this is often highlighted by the gospel writers is no accident. Before we can do a good deed, say a prayer or give sacrificially of our time or money, we like Christ, must be “moved with compassion.”

Think about that as you read and reflect on the following passages of Holy Writ:

Matthew 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he was deeply moved with compassion for them, because they were troubled and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Matthew 14:14 When he got out of the boat, he saw a large crowd. He had compassion for them and healed their sick.

Matthew 15:32 Then Jesus called his disciples and said, "I have compassion for the crowd because they have already been with me for three days and have nothing to eat. I don't want to send them away without food, or they may faint on the road."

Matthew 20:34 Then Jesus, deeply moved with compassion, touched their eyes and at once they could see again. So they followed him.

Mark 1:41 Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand, touched him, and said to him, "I do want to. Be made clean!"

Mark 6:34 When he got out of the boat, he saw a large crowd. He had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things.

Mark 8:2 "I have compassion for the crowd because they have already been with me for three days and have nothing to eat.

Luke 7:13 When the Lord saw her, he felt compassion for her. He said to her, "You can stop crying."

Luke 10:33 But as he was traveling along, a Samaritan came across the man. When the Samaritan saw him, he was moved with compassion.