Compassion in Ministry¹

Compassionate Motivation

• You have likely heard Matthew 9:37 many times. What situation moves Jesus to make this proclamation?

Compassion Displayed

• Read each of the following verses. What common thread do you notice?

• • Matthew 20:34 - So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.
  • Mark 1:41 - Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”
  • Mark 6:34 - And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.
  • Mark 8:2 - “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat.
  • Mark 9:22 - And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”
  • Luke 7:13 - When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.”

Compassion Defined

• When you hear the word "compassion," what does that mean to you?

Compassion Driven

• What potentially discouraging events occur prior to Paul's arrival in Athens in Acts 17?

  • Acts 17:9-10

  • Acts 17:13-14

• Does Paul take a break from ministry when he arrives in Athens?

Applying it today

• In Christian circles, how do we fail to show compassion?

• What do you believe underlies failure to show compassion?

• Will you join with me in asking God to burden your heart for others?

Footnotes

1. Kroll, Woodrow Michael. The vanishing ministry. Kregel Publications, 1991. 79-84 ↩