The Son Of Man And Compassion.

The Son of Man and Compassion

Gary C. Hampton

Though it might seem to be improper for polite conversation, compassion is usually the English translation for splanchnizomai meaning properly “to be moved as to one’s bowels, hence to be moved with compassion, have compassion, (for the bowels were thought to be the seat of love and pity)” (Thayer 584). It is a fitting description for Jesus, as is seen by the fact that inspired men used it twelve times (Matthew 9:36; 14:14; 15:32; 18:27; 20:34; Mark 1:41; 6:34; 8:2; 9:22; Luke 7:13; 10:33; 15:20).
Jesus taught about compassion in answer to the lawyer’s question, “And who is my neighbor?” The Samaritan, in contrast to the priest and the Levite, saw the man who had been wounded and left for dead and had compassion on him. It was displayed in his pouring oil and wine on his wounds, bandaging them, setting him on his own beast of burden, taking him to an inn and caring for him (Luke 10:25-37). The Master also described the compassionate father of the prodigal running to him, falling on his neck and kissing him, before killing the fatted calf for a celebratory feast (Luke 15:11-24).
Jesus demonstrated compassion toward the hungry, sick, demon possessed and bereaved. He had compassion on the hungry multitudes, which led Him to feed the four thousand (Matthew 15:32-38; Mark 8:1-9). Our compassionate Lord touched and healed the leper (Mark 1:40-42). He cast unclean spirits out of those who were demon-possessed (Mark 5 5:1-20; 9:14-29). Jesus raised the son of the widow of Nain (Luke 7:11-17).
Jesus’ compassion for the lost was boundless. The Savior saw people as a ripened harvest desperately needing workers to bring it in, then sent the disciples out by twos to preach (Matthew 9:36-10:1, 5-15). Our saddened Lord, who had just learned of the death of John, took the disciples aside to rest (Matthew 14:13a; Mark 6:30-32; Luke 9:10). The multitudes learned of it and followed (Luke 9:11a). His compassion compelled Him to tell them about the kingdom, healing their sick and feeding the five thousand (Matthew 14:13b-21; Luke 9:11b-17).
The Son of God came to earth as a man because He was compassionate (Hebrews 2:5-8). The Incarnate Son of Man tasted of death for every man (Hebrews 2:9-10). His purpose was to sanctify man and deliver him from bondage to the fear of death (Hebrews 2:11-15). He served as a merciful and faithful High Priest (Hebrews 2:16-17). Jesus understood mankind was being tempted (Hebrews 2:18), which “referred first to the action of putting someone to the test to see what good or evil is in the one tested, and second, because so many broke down under the test and committed sin, the word came to mean a ‘solicitation to do evil’” (Wuest 66). He came to give them “aid,” properly “to run to the cry (of those in danger); hence univ. to help, succor, bring aid” (Thayer).
God’s Son showed compassion for the multitudes when He fed them, healed their sick and sent the disciples forth on the limited commission. Yet, no greater act of compassion has ever been displayed than Jesus’ death on Calvary. Thank God for our compassionate Lord!