Learning God’s Compassion

We, as humans, feel a special warmth when someone shows us compassion — when they care about us, check in on us, or help us in times of trouble. Human compassion often comes from the relationships and connections we have with others. It tends to be based on how people treat us — we’re usually kind to those who are kind to us. It’s often self-centred and limited to mutual care.

But Jesus is different. His compassion doesn’t depend on what we do for Him. He sees us like lost sheep without a shepherd — helpless and stuck in our sin. His heart is moved when we struggle. The Bible says He would leave the ninety-nine sheep just to go and rescue the one that is lost, and bring it back into the kingdom.

[Matthew 9:36 NIV] 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

In Matthew 15:29–39, Jesus performs the miracle of feeding 4,000 people — and that number only includes men, not counting the women and children.

When we look deeper into these verses, it reveals more than just a miracle. It offers a spiritual roadmap, showing us how we can open our hearts to receive the Lord’s compassion, grace, and mercy.

The entire story is described in this short video

Learning the Compassion of Jesus

We learn the compassion of Jesus in his miracle of feeding the 4000 People

[Matthew 15:30-31 NIV] 30 Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. 31 The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.

1.        Mountain Walk

• In Matthew 15:29, we read that Jesus went to the mountainside, and crowds followed Him. Verse 30 tells us that great crowds came to Him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others.

• But think about it—how did these people get there?

  • The lame couldn’t walk on their own.

  • The blind couldn’t find their way without help.

  • The crippled struggled to walk over rocky paths.

• Clearly, someone helped them—friends, family, or ministers brought them to Jesus.

• These physical conditions—being lame, blind, or crippled are not easy place to walk, this also (lame, blind, or crippled) represent spiritual conditions we see around us today. Many people are lost, hurting, and in need of help. As It says in  [Matthew 9:36 NIV] 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

• That’s why we need ministers today—people willing to bring others to Jesus.

• You could be that person. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or a stranger, God may use you to guide them.

• Ask yourself: Are you doing ministry just because someone told you to? Or are you doing it from your heart, as a true servant of God? [Ephesians 6:6-8 NIV] 6 .. doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.

What this teaches us:

• If we truly love God and have faith, we will go through any hardship—climb any mountain—to be with Him.

• As ministers, we must lead others to Jesus. He will show them compassion and heal their brokenness.

• So, are you leading others to Him? Or are you only focused on yourself?

2. Laying at the Feet of Jesus – Surrender

• In Matthew 15:30, it says: “…and laid them at His feet.” This shows us the power of surrender.

• The people didn’t just bring the sick to Jesus—they laid them at His feet. That’s what we need to do with our problems: lay them at Jesus’ feet and let Him handle them.

• The ones who brought the sick didn’t try to fix everything themselves. They simply led them to Jesus and surrendered them to Him.

• Likewise, even the sick didn’t cling to the people who brought them. They chose to bow before Jesus.

• True surrender brings compassion. Even when we feel God may be angry at us, surrendering to him moves His heart. As [Jonah 3:9–10] says, when people turned from their ways, God saw and had compassion, and did not bring destruction.

•  [Jonah 3:9-10 NIV] 9 Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish." 10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.

• We bow at Jesus’ feet because He is our Creator, the Author of all things.

• Don’t rely on people and don’t bow to them. Bow to Jesus. Worship and surrender to Him alone.

  • [Matthew 28:9 NIV] 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.

  •  [Revelation 1:17 NIV] 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.

What this teaches us:

• We are called to lay both our struggles and our successes at Jesus’ feet.

• He alone can take our broken, crippled state and restore us—turning weakness into strength and helping us walk again.

3. Jesus Shows Compassion Because of His Promise

• Jesus sees us as helpless people, trapped by darkness. Without Him, we are like sheep without a shepherd, vulnerable and in danger—like prey being watched by a lion. [Matthew 9:36 NIV] 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

• Jesus understands our weakness. He knows how hard life can be and feels our pain [Hebrews 4:15 NIV] 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses..

• Jesus knows we come to Him not perfect, but broken and in need of help—and that moves His heart.

• When our lives—or even the church—feel broken down spiritually or physically, He doesn’t ignore it. He sees our ruins and responds with compassion.

• Just like He saw the blind, lame, and mute, He wants to restore and heal.[Isaiah 51:3 NIV] 3 The LORD will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; he will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the LORD. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing.

What this teaches us:

• Our Lord Jesus is the lord of Compassion, his compassion flows out because of the promises we have in him.

• Our Lord’s character is filled with compassion, as it says in  [Psalm 103:11 NIV] 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;

4. Compassion Leads to Action

• In Matthew 15:30 it says, “…and He healed them.”

• Jesus didn’t just feel sorry for the people—He acted. His compassion always leads to real change.

• When we see people in need, like beggars on the street, we may give a little help—but it’s often just temporary.

• But Jesus is not limited like us. He is a rich and powerful God who gives permanent healing and freedom.

• In Christ, we are set free:

  • Emancipation – He sets us free spiritually.

  • Eradication – He removes our sin completely, once and for all.

• How is this possible? Because Jesus is the Son of God, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. He has full authority to heal, save, and restore. [Matthew 28:18 NIV] 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

• The enemy tries to make us forget this truth—tries to make us depend on people instead of God. But we must remember: Our help comes from Jesus, who has all power.

What this teaches us:

• The enemy tries to make us forget that we have a loving and compassionate Father. But if we call on Him, He is always ready to help. He is the Author of salvation and the Creator of heaven and earth. No matter what situation we face, His power has no limits.

• God doesn’t offer temporary fixes—with Him, there is complete freedom (emancipation) and total removal of the problem (eradication). His solutions are lasting and life-changing.

5. Praise God for His Works

[Matthew 15:31 NIV] 31 The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.”

• God is amazing, and everything He does leaves people in awe.

• When the people saw the miracles, they didn’t praise the helpers or ministers—they gave all the glory to God. Hallelujah!

• Praising God is worshiping God—it’s one of the reasons we were created.

• Sadly, we often forget this, but God reminds us to worship Him for who He is and what He has done.

• As in psalm/ Hebrews ,its written we worship thru him..

  • [Psalm 96:9 NIV] 9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.

  •  [Hebrews 13:15 NIV] 15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.

What this teaches us:

• We are created to praise him as he is our creator, all the works of healing and deliverance is only to praise him

• Praise his glorious name !! Hallelujah

6. Stay in Fellowship with Jesus

Matthew 15:32 – Jesus said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat.”

• The people didn’t leave after they were healed—they stayed with Jesus for three days, even without food.

• That shows their faith and hunger for more of Him, not just physical healing. But to receive the spiritual healing from him to receive the food for ever..

• Jesus noticed their devotion, and He responded with compassion again.

• This is what real fellowship with Jesus looks like—not rushing away after receiving a blessing, but staying, worshiping, and waiting on Him.

• How did he bless them, he blessed them same like he blessed his disciples in the holy communion, taking the bread looking to heaven ,gave thanks and broke them and gave them to eat. It’s a symbol of their spiritual manna that he gave to them. [Matthew 15:36 NIV] 36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people.

• There is spiritual contentment in the food we receive from Jesus. [Matthew 15:37 NIV] 37 They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

What this teaches us:

• After church, or after receiving an answer to prayer, do we rush away—or do we take time to stay and thank Him?

• Do we wait on Him just to receive, or also to worship?

• Like a beggar who returns not just to receive more, but to say, “Thank you, Father—I worship You!”

• God’s compassion is promised to those who wait on Him: [Lamentations 3:22-26 NIV] 22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." 25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; 26 it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.

Summary

• We may not know what situation you’re in today—but in some way, all of us are spiritually lame, blind, or crippled.

• Ask the Father to look at your heart and restore His love in you, so that His light can shine through your life.

• If you already know God and serve Him, remember: this blessing is not just for you to keep—it’s meant to be shared.

• As Jesus commanded, we are called to proclaim the Good News to the ends of the earth, so that all creation may know that Jesus Christ is Lord.

• In Him, we find salvation, peace, and true joy—for He is our one and only Savior.