The Sympathy Of Jesus.

“And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.” Luke. 7:13.

One night while conducting an evangelistic meeting in the Salvation Army Citadel in Chicago, Booth Tucker preached on the sympathy of Jesus. After his message a man approached him and said, “If your wife had just died, like mine has, and your babies were crying for their mother, who would never come back, you wouldn’t be saying what you’re saying.” Tragically, a few days later, Tucker’s wife was killed in a train wreck. Her body was brought to Chicago and carried to the same Citadel for the funeral. After the service the bereaved preacher looked down into the silent face of his wife and then turned to those attending. “The other day a man told me I wouldn’t speak of the sympathy of Jesus if my wife had just died. If that man is here, I want to tell him that Christ is sufficient. My heart is broken, but it has a song put there by Jesus. I want that man to know that Jesus Christ speaks comfort to me today.”

Jesus' sympathy is a central theme in the New Testament, portraying him not just as a teacher or divine figure, but as a deeply emotional being who intimately understands human suffering. The Greek word often used to describe Jesus' compassion in our text is very powerful. It's “splagchnizomai” which implies being moved in one’s guts or inward parts. This means his sympathy was not a distant or polite feeling, but a visceral, overwhelming emotional reaction to human misery, such as when he saw the widow of Nain mourning her son Jesus experienced the same physical limitations and temptations as human beings, including hunger, thirst, weariness, and social rejection. Because he lived as a human, he is able to sympathize with human weaknesses rather than remaining a distant deity.

In the shortest verse in the Bible, "Jesus wept" (John 11:35), He demonstrated his willingness to enter into the sorrow of others. Even when he knew he would raise Lazarus, he still felt and expressed deep empathy for the grief of Mary and Martha. The book of Hebrews describes Jesus as a "merciful and faithful high priest" who is able to empathize with human weaknesses because he was tempted in every way just as humans are, yet without sin (Heb. 4:15). This means He understands human struggles from firsthand experience. Jesus' sympathy never resulted in mere pity; it always moved him to action. He healed the sick, fed the hungry crowds, and taught the confused, moving him to touch untouchable lepers and challenge social stigmas to bring relief. You can trust, he knows what you are going through, He will come through for you. Selah!

FURTHER READING:

“And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept.” John. 11:34-35.

“I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat.” Mark. 8:2.

DECLARATION: 

Dear Abba Father, I thank You for the gift of life and the privilege of salvation. Lord Jesus, I come before You today, weary of trying to fix myself and in need of Your tender care. Thank You that Your compassion is not just a story, but a living reality. I ask that You open my eyes to see Your love for me in my current circumstances. When I am harsh with myself, soften my heart to receive Your grace. When I feel overwhelmed or alone, remind me that You are the shepherd who tends to the helpless in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

2 Chron. 25:1-28.

2 Chron. 26:1-23.

2 Chron. 27:1-9.

QUOTE FOR THE DAY:

“God's Kind Of Compassion Doesn't Just Feel, It Acts.”