July 15. Divine Compassion
J.R. Miller reveals how Jesus' divine compassion is deeply moved by human spiritual need, urging believers to recognize and respond to the soul's greatest peril.
In this devotional sermon, J.R. Miller explores the profound compassion of Jesus Christ, highlighting His deep concern for the spiritual welfare of humanity. Miller emphasizes that Jesus' heart is moved not just by physical suffering but especially by spiritual neglect, portraying the Lord as the compassionate shepherd who cares for His flock. This message encourages believers to recognize the importance of spiritual leadership and to respond with compassion to the needs of others.
Text
"When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd." Mark 6:34
Here we have a window through which we catch a glimpse of the heart of Jesus. Every scene of sorrow touched Him. It is a great thought, that the heart of the Son of God is actually moved at the sight of human distress or need. It was this compassion for lost sinners — which brought Christ from Heaven. Does God care now, if we are in suffering or in need? "Like as a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him." Does Jesus, since He has gone up into glory, have any such compassion for human sorrow on the earth? "We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are." Hebrews 4:15
It is worth while to notice what kind of trouble it was, which so stirred the compassion of Jesus at this time. It was because He saw the people as sheep not having a shepherd. It was not their hunger, nor their poverty, nor their sickness — but their spiritual need which so deeply touched His compassions. There were no wise, gentle, thoughtful pastors watching over the higher interests of their immortal natures, feeding them with heavenly bread, protecting them from the wolves of sin and lust, and leading them in right paths.
We learn here, that no condition is so sad — as that of spiritual neglect. Soul peril is far more pitiable than bodily danger or distress. Nothing moves the Divine heart so deeply — as His child exposed to the world\
Sermon Outline
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I
- Jesus' compassion revealed through His response to the crowd
- The heart of the Son of God moved by human sorrow
- Compassion as the motivation for Christ's coming from Heaven
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II
- God's ongoing care for human suffering and need
- Jesus as a high priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses
- Biblical assurance of divine pity for those who fear the Lord
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III
- The specific trouble that stirred Jesus' compassion: spiritual neglect
- The people as sheep without a shepherd
- The greater peril of soul neglect compared to physical distress
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IV
- The role of pastors in feeding and protecting the flock
- The importance of spiritual leadership and guidance
- The call to recognize and respond to the spiritual needs of others
Key Quotes
“Every scene of sorrow touched Him. It is a great thought, that the heart of the Son of God is actually moved at the sight of human distress or need.” — J.R. Miller
“No condition is so sad — as that of spiritual neglect. Soul peril is far more pitiable than bodily danger or distress.” — J.R. Miller
“We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are.” — J.R. Miller
Application Points
- Recognize and respond to the spiritual needs of those around you with compassion.
- Trust in Jesus as a high priest who understands and sympathizes with your weaknesses.
- Support and appreciate spiritual leadership that guides and protects the flock.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jesus' compassion teach us about God?
Jesus' compassion shows that God deeply cares about human suffering, especially spiritual needs, and is moved to act on our behalf.
Why is spiritual neglect considered more serious than physical suffering?
Because spiritual neglect endangers the soul's eternal well-being, which is of greater consequence than temporary physical distress.
How does Jesus sympathize with our weaknesses?
Jesus was tempted in every way just as we are, making Him a high priest who understands and empathizes with our struggles.
What role do pastors play according to this sermon?
Pastors are called to shepherd the flock by feeding them spiritual truths, protecting them from sin, and guiding them in righteousness.
How can believers apply the message of divine compassion?
Believers can cultivate compassion by recognizing spiritual needs around them and actively supporting others in their faith journey.