Christ-like Compassion – July 26, 2024

Read: Mark 6:30-34

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 6:34

Christ-like Compassion

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

One of Olivi’s favorite places to go is the pet store. She loves to check out all the birds, lizards, and snakes. She gets very excited when the store has ferrets. And she always has to walk by all the water tanks filled with colorful fish. But her favorite thing to do, by far, is to look at all the cats available for adoption. She studies the little cards that tell their names and a little about their personalities. She wants to rescue them all and take them home!

Olivia’s little heart is filled with compassion for those cats.

In today’s Bible reading, Jesus and the disciples had been so busy preaching and teaching that they didn’t even have a chance to eat. Jesus suggested that they go and find a quiet place to rest. They went by boat to a solitary place. The problem was that by the time they arrived, the place wasn’t solitary anymore. A large crowd had formed to meet Jesus and the disciples. But he wasn’t annoyed.

Jesus’ heart was filled with compassion for those people.

Jesus looks upon us with the same compassionate heart. He is never too busy or too tired to listen to our prayers. He knows us all by name. Jesus’ compassion is more than just a passing feeling; it’s a very active love. He didn’t just say it—he showed it. He gave his life to fix all the brokenness in our lives. He rescues us. He adopts us into the family of believers. He will take us home to be with him someday.

Let’s make every effort to share that kind of compassion with others. Imagine you’re a busy parent with a to-do list a mile long. The house is a mess, and bills need paying. The phone rings, and it’s a neighbor who is really struggling. You put your work aside and listen, sharing comfort from God’s Word. You set aside your busyness and give generously of your time and emotional energy. Or it could be that you’re a hard-working student. You have a paper due and two tests to study for. Basketball runs late, and you have chores to do. A friend texts that they really need someone to talk to. You do your best to show that you care about them. Christ’s compassion for us leads us to respond with such loving care.

Dear child of God, may your heart be filled with compassion!

Closing Prayer:

God, thank you for always showing us love and compassion. Lead us to share your love and compassion with others. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What was Olivia’s favorite thing to see at the pet store?
• Olivia’s heart was compassionate toward cats. What thing fills your heart with compassion?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• In today’s devotion, Jesus was compassionate for people because he said they were like sheep without a shepherd. What does that mean?
• What did Jesus do for sheep in order to be their shepherd?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Jesus has shown compassion to you. Name some ways you can see it in your life.
• Jesus encourages us to be compassionate. But how? Toward whom? Discuss that together.