1. A very important admonition is given in 2 Peter 3:18 -- we are to grow in the knowledge of Christ. 2. According to John 5:39, the key to achieving this growth is "searching the Scriptures." 3. As we increase our knowledge of the Lord by searching the Scriptures, we see that He possessed many wonderful characteristics, including "compassion." 4. In our lesson we are examining: a. six occasions when Jesus demonstrated compassion b. two occasions when Jesus included compassion in His teaching. 5. Let us first examine . . .
Discussion:
I. SIX OCCASIONS WHEN JESUS DEMONSTRATED COMPASSION
A. (Matthew 9:36) Jesus demonstrated His compassion when He gave the limited commission. 1. (vs.35) Jesus had worked diligently to reach as many people as possible. 2. However, when He observed the multitudes, He was moved by what He saw (vs.36). 3. (vs.37-38) He made His disciples aware of the situation. 4. (ch.10) He sent the apostles out on the limited commission. B. (Matthew 14:14) Jesus demonstrated His compassion when He healed sick people. 1. Jesus had learned some bad news and wanted to be alone (vs.10-13a). 2. (vs.13b) The people followed Jesus on foot. 3. (vs.14) "He healed their sick." C. (Matthew 15:32) Jesus demonstrated His compassion when He fed the 4,000. 1. These people had been with Jesus 3 days, and there was nothing to eat. 2. (vs.33-38) Jesus fed them with 7 loaves and a few little fish. D. (Matthew 20:34) Jesus demonstrated His compassion when He gave sight to two blind men. 1. (vs.29-33) These men asked Jesus to have mercy on them. 2. The Lord fulfilled their request. E. (Mark 1:41) Jesus demonstrated His compassion when He cleansed a leper. 1. (vs.40) This man asked Jesus to heal him. 2. (vs.42) The Lord fulfilled his request. F. (Luke 7:13) Jesus demonstrated His compassion when He brought a widow's son back to life. 1. (vs.12) This woman had lost her only son. 2. (vs.14-15) Jesus raised the young man. G. As we examine occasions when Jesus demonstrated His compassion, we see that He was concerned with both the spiritual and the physical needs of people. H. Let us turn our attention to . . .
II. TWO OCCASIONS WHEN JESUS INCLUDED COMPASSION IN HIS TEACHING
A. (Luke 10:33) The Good Samaritan had compassion on the abused man. B. (Luke 15:20) The father had compassion on the prodigal son. C. As we examine occasions when Jesus included compassion in His teaching, we see that: 1. God is compassionate toward those who come to Him 2. the Lord's followers are to be compassionate toward those in need. D. To further emphasize the importance of Christian compassion, see: 1. 1 Peter 3:8 2. 1 John 3:17-18.
