Transformed – teen devotion – July 21, 2024
One truth shared: Jesus has a compassionate heart for me and for all people. In order for us to have a meaningful ministry, our hearts for people need to match our words to them. We tell them that Jesus loves them and saves them, and we let our hearts break for them, love them, and be compassionate towards them.
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, āCome with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.ā
So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
Mark 6:30-34
Jesus Models a Compassionate Shepherdās Heart
Has anyone ever said the right words to you, but their attitude and behavior didnāt match what they said?
āIām sorry.ā- And then they repeated the hurtful behavior.
āI promise.ā- And then they quickly break their promise.
āYouāre my friend.ā- And then they hardly text you and seem to have excuses whenever you want to hang out.
Sometimes itās possible in ministry and in life, to say the right words, but have the wrong attitude. We tell people Jesus loves them, but we donāt have compassion or patience for them.
People may not believe us. They see our lack of compassion and could question if Godās love, which weāre telling them about, is actually true.
Life is hard. Sin is real. People mess up. They do need the truth. But, they also need compassion. The way God designed our hearts is that they are transformed by grace, not by guilt. They are changed by love, not by lists of to-dos. They are softened by compassion, not by commands.
Thatās how your heart was transformed. Jesus saw you as a sheep without a shepherd. His heart broke for you. He longed to bring you close to him to bring you care and healing. So much so that he broke himself on the cross and under Godās wrath. For you.
Jesus and his disciples once tried to go on a retreat to get some relaxation. Their vacation was cut short by needy people. Mark tells us in chapter six that Jesus had compassion on them because they looked like sheep without a shepherd. So he taught them many things.
Want to make an impact in ministry and in someone elseās life? Yes, say the right wordsātalk about sin and grace, forgiveness and salvation. Andā¦let your heart break for them. Remember how far Jesus has brought you from where you were. Show them the same compassion Jesus has shown you.
When your demeanor matches your words, the message will stick.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, you have a compassionate shepherdās heart! Your heart breaks for me when I am hurting and when sin ravages my life. Give me that same compassion for other sinners. Let my words and my attitude towards people be the sameāfull of compassion. In your name we pray. Amen.