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Mark 8:1-3 During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, 2 “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. 3 If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.”
YOU’VE been around practical, compassionate people haven’t you? You know, she’s the mother who loves to make sure you have plenty to eat. He’s the dad who takes all the kids to the game and is willing to stop for a pizza afterward. She’s the one who stops by with a casserole when you’re sick. He’s the one willing to fix your leaky faucet. Their help is practical because it’s for your everyday needs. Their help is compassionate because they convey a clear desire to help you. The Lord Jesus is a practical, compassionate Redeemer. Repeating a scene from Mark 6:35-44 that recorded Jesus feeding 5,000 men, Mark relates Jesus’ second “feeding miracle” where about four thousand men were present. (Mark 8:9a). Can you imagine going to a three-day conference and not eating until the end of the third day? Perhaps they had brought food with them. But the preaching and teaching quickly consumed time. The food is gone. What will your Lord do? He will feed them, of course. Why not? He can because it’s the practical thing to do, and he has the power to do so. Jesus tells you the LORD God cares for your basic needs. Matthew 6:26 “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Jesus taught us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11) because he wants us to have the faith to believe his compassion is real: Matthew 6:31 “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’” When the four thousand men – and likely thousands more women and children – went home, do you think they had a more practical compassion for their neighbors? It’s always good when we use Jesus’ teachings in our everyday lives, isn’t it? That’s why Jesus also taught us to Matthew 5:44 “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” He taught us to give to the needy (Matthew 6:3) and to compassionately use our material possessions: Matthew 6:19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” The LORD God has compassion upon his creation. He has made us In his image. He has taught and is teaching us how to be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:48) God has come to earth to share himself with you. His practical teachings are anchored in his great compassion for you. Receive his compassion and love. Share him with others. Comments are closed.
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AuthorBob James Archives
January 2025
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