by Emily Acker
And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things (Mark 6:34).
While living on earth, Jesus knew what was coming for Him. He knew that He would eventually be arrested, disrespected, abused, and hung on a cross. He knew the pain He would have to endure while serving as an innocent sacrifice. He also knew who would destroy His life.
If any of us knew we had all of that in our future, wouldn’t we be focused on it every day? Wouldn’t we feel down about it and believe that we had to make the most of the days leading up to death so that we’d have some enjoyment in our lives? Our focus would be on us, on what was to come for us, and on the pain we would endure. If we knew that death was coming soon — and an excruciating death, at that — we would likely close our eyes to those around us.
Jesus knew He was going to die, yet the life He lived while on earth wasn’t about Him. It wasn’t about finding as much enjoyment as He could before the pain started, or sitting around feeling miserable as He considered His future. It wasn’t about focusing on Himself and feeling sorry for Himself regarding what was to come and the unfairness of it all. The life Jesus lived was all about being there for others and meeting their needs. It was about focusing on others and being a servant.
When Jesus encountered crowds, which He did often because people were always trying to be near Him, He had compassion on those who were hurting or looking to Him for help. Jesus healed those who were sick. He talked with the people and encouraged them. He helped the people know about His Father. He showed love to people. He never sent anyone away or told the crowds to find someone else to follow. He didn’t turn His back on them and go off to do something fun. Jesus wanted His life on earth to make an impact. He knew that would happen when He welcomed the crowds and gave them the love and attention that they sought.
When Jesus walked among us, lives were changed because He was willing to show compassion despite knowing what He was about to go through. He reached out even to those who were about to deny Him (think Peter in Matthew 26), those who doubted Him (think Thomas in John 20), and to those who chose not to follow Him. He showed kindness even to those who were part of the world that was about to take His life.
Jesus didn’t let worry for the future overcome Him. Instead, He showed mercy and love throughout His life.What a loving Savior! What a God to worship! What an example for us to follow! May we be more like Him.
