Jesus cared so much for those in need! Matthew (9:36, NLT) says, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
Matthew also describes a scene where Jesus showed his love by healing those who were sick. The scripture says, “A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill.” (Matthew 12:15, NIV) Notice how it says “ALL.” He left no one behind!
Luke (see 8:46) records that when Jesus healed, power went out of him. It cost him something to heal all those people. He generously used his power for those who needed his special care.
Jesus showed his love to people from all levels of society. He didn’t look down on others like the Pharisees did! Mark records, “When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners? On hearing this, Jesus said to them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’” (Mark 2:16,17, NIV)
Jesus also showed love and attention to the youngest members of society! Luke records, “One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, ‘Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.’” (Luke 18:15,16, NLT)
John (13:1, NIV) records that just before the Passover festival, Jesus knew that his time on earth was running out. Speaking about his disciples, it says, “…he loved them to the end.”
Eventually, men came to take Jesus away. Imagine the scene of soldiers coming to the Garden of Gethsemane with weapons (see John 18:3) to arrest this loving man. Jesus identified himself, and then, out of care for his disciples who were with him, said, “If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” (John 18:8, NIV)
And before he died on the cross, he was in such terrible pain, yet his concern was for his mother, Mary. She and his disciple, John, were standing nearby. He didn’t want Mary to be alone, so he told John that she was now his mother. John took her into his home from that time on.
Finally, Jesus showed his ultimate love for ALL of us by leaving his heavenly home and coming to earth. He gave his life on the cross so that all of mankind will have an opportunity to live again in God’s kingdom!
So, how did Jesus show his love for others? In many ways, but here are just a few: by healing the sick, by caring for people (even the poor and needy) by thinking of his disciples when his life was in danger, and by directing the care of his mother while he was dying on the cross. And, most of all, by his willing sacrifice for all of us so that we can live again in God’s kingdom!
This video is from Christian Questions Podcast. For more information please go to https://christianquestions.com
