Lessons from John 6: Compassion for Others

In Mark 6:31 we learn that Jesus had invited His disciples to “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” And verse 32 tells us that they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.

But because of the miraculous signs Jesus had performed on the sick, when the people saw them leaving they ran on foot from all the surrounding towns. They ran to the place where Jesus and the disciples were going. In fact, we are told that the people arrived before Jesus did.

Now because it was the time of the Passover, those who were within 20 miles of Jerusalem were required to go there in order to participate in the Passover feast and celebration. But those who were outside of the 20-mile radius were not required to travel the distance to Jerusalem. But they were required to observe the holiday from where they were.

Therefore many people had the time off from their work and normal day’s chores. And what did they do with their time? They all flocked to Jesus as He tried to initiate some alone time with His disciples. But instead of sending the people away, Jesus used this time to teach and train His disciples. He also took care of the people.

Mark tells us that when Jesus looked up and saw the great multitudes coming toward them He had compassion on them. They were like sheep without a shepherd. And so He began teaching them many things.

I want to stop and take a minute to look at the word “compassion.”

“Com” means with, together, or commit and “passion” means with a strong sense of feeling, desire, or love. So to come with or together, to commit to suffer with the sense of love for those who are in need.

It means to recognize the suffering of others, then take action to help.

Jesus was moved by His compassion for the people. He set aside His plans to fulfill the needs of others. Jesus was not angry or frustrated. He didn’t say He didn’t have time for them. No! Instead, He set aside His plans for the opportunity to meet the needs of others.

If you believe Jesus is the Son of God, then you too will die to your plans and desires and follow as He leads you. Taking every opportunity to see others as Jesus sees them and meet their needs as you can. Yet, if you don’t believe, then you will worship someone or something else. The way you show this is by what you choose to do with those God sends your way through the opportunities that arise to help others.

What do your actions say about your love for God and His people?

Terri Hamman

Faith & Fitness Coach