By the time Paul wrote these words to Timothy, memories were about all he had left. He was a battle-worn soldier of the cross. He had been arrested, he had been beaten, and he had survived shipwreck. Now he was facing execution for his commitment to Christ. But Paul had his memories, and what he remembered was enough to sustain him. He knew the same would be true for his young friend. "Timothy, remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David — that is my gospel" (2 Timothy 2:8 NRSV).

"Remember Jesus Christ ... descended from David." In other words, remember the humanity of Jesus. He was the one who was descended from Israel's greatest king, the promised Savior. Remember Jesus' life, his commitment to the purposes of God.

Jesus was a man of compassion. The Bible says th…