Tom White - 07/07/2019
Compassion Moves to the Demonized
Summary: Are we lulled to sleep by the regularity of our lives, or are we engaged heart, mind, and spirit with the things of the Kingdom?
From Series: "Compassion Moves"
Matthew 8-9 groups together 12 stories that give us stirring examples of his power, purpose and love. They come amid Jesus’ ministry around Galilee in his ministry’s early years and help us see who Jesus is. They also accompany and demonstrate his core message, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near” (Matthew 4:17). Beyond this broad message, a close look at these stories shows another repeating theme: radical moves across visible and invisible barriers. What moved Jesus to live in such a way? Compassion. In the section’s summary passage, Matthew 9:36, we read, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, for they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” These were the crowds encountered in his teaching and preaching and healing. The people were not faceless masses, but persons known by God. And Loved. In the miracles, Jesus’ heart is on display for us. The Kingdom advances with compassion. There are other characteristics, certainly: faith, courage, joy, etc… But this summer, let’s not miss or rush past this: there is no kingdom without compassion. What do you see when you look around your neighborhood? When you look around our church on Sundays? When you walk on the downtown mall? When you wait in the grocery store line? When you’re in new or uncomfortable social situations? HOW do you move towards? Compassion involves truly seeing and responding. As we reflect on Matthew 8-9 this summer, and as we grow up together as followers of Jesus, may we grow as a people of compassion!
