March 21, 2012 Practical Compassion

Practical Compassion

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 mom 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 sense of desiring to help you.
Practical compassion is certainly what your Lord Jesus displays here. Repeating a scene found in Mark 6, thousands have come to hear him. Perhaps they had brought food with them. But the preaching and teaching was long. 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. He will because he has compassion on them. He will not let them leave hungry, at risk of becoming ill.
Often we think it’s only appropriate to pray to Jesus when we need big things. Everything—even lunch—is a big thing for Jesus because it is his practical compassionate way to care for you.

Pause and consider Jesus loves you—and wants to care for your every need.