... , but with love: "Jesus, looking at him, loved him"(v.21). It is out of love, not out of some decision to squelch an ego or make an example, that Jesus reveals what is lacking in this seeker's life. Out of genuine compassion, Jesus swiftly identifies the one obstacle blocking this man's relationship with God, an overweening attachment to what can only be called "stuff." Jesus' command not only shocks the questioner; it stuns the normative standards of first-century Judaism. While there was no scriptural ...
... with one's old clothing, then "putting on" a new fresh garment after being immersed in the baptismal waters. It is as reborn men and women, "raised" in Christ, that Paul urges the Colossians to "clothe" themselves with the virtues of "compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience" (v.12). These free-standing qualities are expanded and put into practice in Paul's directive in verse 13. Practicing forbearance and forgiveness with each other tests the Colossians' ability to truly live anew in Christ ...
... dresses, pink tennis shoes. The question is: Will we go outside our comfort zone to bring to them God's message? Are we content to enjoy the benefits of home, of being found, so much that we can't venture out from its safety to communicate God's love and compassion to a needy world? There is a world of lost people right outside our door, hungry to come out of hiding. Timothy Keel
... people in specific circumstances. It is the spiritually polluted atmosphere that Yahweh finds so repugnant in the temple. In spite of all the sacrifices offered, these faithless followers have failed to understand and live according to the spirit of justice and compassion that would make them genuine people of the covenant. All the burnt offerings (v.11), burning incense (v.13), solemn assemblies (v.13), even their seemingly pious addresses to God in prayer (v.15) are all rejected by Yahweh. The depth ...
Anyone who has ever faithfully tried to be "pastor" to a congregation knows instinctively the true subtitle for the Corinthian correspondence: How Not to End Up on Family Feud. Paul felt the pull of love and compassion for his new converts. Yet a "greater love" kept pulling Paul back out onto the road, moving him from place to place to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ as widely as possible before his days on earth ended. From Ephesus where he worked and preached for more than ...
... :8-9 and his own earlier preaching in John 5:28-29. Then Lazarus himself stumbles out the tomb door, grave clothes still clinging to his body. By waiting those two days Jesus did far more for Lazarus than heal his body of some sickness. Jesus' words to Martha, his compassion towards Mary, and his resurrection of Lazarus brought an entire family into a life of faith that would take them onto eternal life.
... of the disciples is not to "send her away" empty-handed, but rather for Jesus to respond quickly to her request so that they can be rid of her embarrassing presence. The disciples are not motivated by love or concern or compassion for this woman and her child. They are solely interested in convenience and expedience. Jesus' words, spoken to the disciples, but certainly directed at the woman as well, sound cold and callous - yet they are indisputably, theologically correct. The thoughtless, self-absorbed ...
... -21, instead of standing here by itself. Likewise, verses 15 and 16 would seem more at home at the beginning of this discourse - perhaps following verses 9-10. The koinonia community is so intimately in touch with all other members that sharing emotions and compassion - as verse 15 suggests - should be as natural as the urge to share faith and worldly goods. Verse 16, like verses 9-10, promotes this community spirit of love. The link between "honor" (v. 10) or "esteem" and the call to reject haughtiness for ...
... food and drink and rigorously maintained schedules of discipline are actually matters of adiaphora - that is, "things indifferent" to the status of one's salvation. Instead, Paul's words reveal that the attitude Christians should practice is one of acceptance and compassion for other members of their faith community. He begins by encouraging all members of the community of faith to "welcome" those who are weak. The purpose of a Christian community is not to achieve total homogeneity, but to accommodate all ...
... previous visit when he had voluntarily offered his hands and his side for inspection, Jesus now confronts Thomas with his wounds, and, by inference, with Thomas' own stubborn disbelief. Jesus' appearance and his focus on Thomas demonstrate at once his compassion for the weakness of the human heart and his insistence that the disciples attain a new level of commitment and faithfulness. Thus, his directive both addresses the sticking points of Thomas' doubt ("go ahead, check out the wounds") and shames the ...
... to his focus on the acerbic, abusive tongue as the greatest detractor to true religion, religion that is "pure and undefiled." As an advocate of the "doer," James offers curbing the tongue as a positive, definitive action Christians can "do" in order to bring their faith alive. The plea for compassion to "orphans and widows" is a similar command making those who are traditionally the weakest and most vulnerable members of society the focus of Christian love in action.
... at any given time. Some translations have suggested that Mark's use of the term agapao indicates that Jesus actually reached out and gently "caressed" this ardent yet ignorant seeker. Whatever the case, from Mark's text we get a sense of Jesus' regard and compassion for this man whose questions seem so sincere. In light of this empathy, Jesus' command and the man's response seem all the more poignant. While Jesus states that the man lacks "one thing," he actually gives him two commands. First, he is to go ...
1763. Ordinary and Humble Princes
John 1:43-51
Illustration
Scott Hoezee
... that the secret of the universe was first revealed. That's why Jesus called them in the first place. If you're going to save the world, you've got to start somewhere. And if in the end you're going to save the world through humility, gentleness, compassion, and sacrifice, it makes sense to begin with a bunch of fellows who couldn't get much more humble if they tried! The messengers fit the message. In fact, over the course of his ministry if Jesus had any significant struggles with his disciples, it was the ...
1764. The Beginning of Healing
Mark 1:29-34
Illustration
Henri Nouwen
... not the wardens or moralists, but the few who were able to articulate in words and actions the human condition in which we participate and who encouraged us to face the realities of life. Those who do not run from our pains but touch them with compassion bring healing and new strength. The paradox is that the beginning of healing is in the solidarity with the pain. In our solution oriented society it is more important than ever to realize that wanting to alleviate pain without sharing it is like wanting to ...
... motive, “What’s in it for me?” There are those who say that no one ever does anything without some thought of what will be received in return. Parents love their children, so they’ll have someone to care for them in their old age. Compassion towards the poor is an attempt to create a society with less crime. Forgiveness is offered, because one anticipates needing to be forgiven someday. Everything is tit-for-tat. I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine. Jesus’ ethic, when he walked the earth ...
... and others having so little? Should the church continue its participation in Room in the Inn, a ministry of hospitality with the homeless? Our church has been involved in Room in the Inn for many years. Have we worn out? Are we experiencing “compassion fatigue”? Is there enough commitment among us to participate another year? II. Jesus and the Poor In Luke’s gospel, Jesus begins his ministry on the Sabbath in this hometown synagogue. He reads from the prophet Isaiah these words, “the Spirit of the ...
... they were $100,000 in debt and had $10,000 in savings, if they’d send to him the $10,000 their debt would be erased. Each Sunday the offering plate is passed and what we put in it reflects our gratitude for what we’ve been given and our compassion for those in need. We give out of love for the One who first loved us. Our offering is our worship. Today there’s an article on the front page of The Tennessean about how church members are now making their offering online. I know that’s the way we ...
... from leprosy, and for those who imposed the law and turned away the lepers in their community. Those with leprosy had their spirit hollowed out by loneliness and isolation. Those who cast out the lepers had their spirit hardened and callused against compassion for another. Every age, every nation, every community, every religion, has its particular lepers. Every culture labels certain people lepers. The lepers in our midst are the ones we fear, the ones who we feel endanger us, the ones who remind us ...
... most amazing about this text, however, is that in both verses 15 and 16 God reveals that the bow is not provided for the benefit of those on earth; rather it serves to remind God of the covenant God has made. God’s mercy, God’s compassion, God’s eternal promises are indelibly written in rainbow hues. As dramatic as this visual aid may be, however, God’s final word focuses back on the power and constancy of the divinely pledged covenant. Although creation is still “wet behind the ears” from the ...
... are when we are on the Way with Jesus Christ. He stands at the door of our church and knocks. Does he want us to let him in – and all who are with him? Or does he want us to follow him out and be partners in his ministry of compassion to those in our city and world? Let’s open the door and find out.
... record that Jesus ever offers animal sacrifices, or encourages his disciples to do so. In fact, the commercial corruption in the Temple that triggered the whipcracking side of Jesus’ personality may have included abuses in the custom of animal sacrifices. His compassion for the outcast and oppressed overflows into anger at the trade in sacrificial animals in the great courtyard of the Temple, the religious, social, and commercial center of the city. Jesus’ temple tantrum may be directed at least in part ...
... to cross-over to Dayton and Minneapolis. We need to cross-over and embrace our pasts. We need to cross-over and embrace a new and yet unknown future. “You crossed me,” needs to be reborn as a message of love and commitment and compassion. b) Here’s another cross-over to grab a phrase that needs reclaiming: “double-cross.” Every cross-training, cross-bearing, cross-over Christian should be actively involved in the “double-cross.” The cross of Christ consists of two beams. There is the vertical ...
... with God. Many Christians have a religion of rewards and punishments based upon the quality and quantity of their deeds. In this sermon we again point to God's work of reconciling us. Outline: a. A dark world saved by the cross Gospel. b. A lost nation saved by compassion Lesson 1. c. Sinners saved by mercy Lesson 2. Gospel: John 3:14-21 1. Look, God loves you! (3:14-16). Need: In this sermon we take a devotional look at the cross and find God's love in what we see. In Moses' day, healing resulted from ...
Revelation 21:1-27, Isaiah 25:1-12, John 11:38-44, John 11:17-37
Sermon Aid
John R. Brokhoff
... that he, too, wept. The weeping was caused by his love for Lazarus. It shows that Jesus was a human and identified with other humans. Since he knew he was going to bring Lazarus back to life, there was no need for tears. Rather his tears showed his compassion and his identification with humanity. 3. Glory (v. 40). Jesus told Martha that if she believed, she would see the glory of God. Where was the glory of God in this situation? It was the glory of the power of God over death. It was the glory of ...
... : "God of all creation, you reach out to call people of all nations to your kingdom. As you gather disciples from near and far, count us also among those who boldly confess your Son Jesus Christ our Lord." Hymn Of The Day: "Hope Of The World, Thou Christ Of Great Compassion"