February 10 – The Compassionate Healer

“And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.” Matthew 14:14 (KJV)

Jesus, our precious Savior, never grew weary of the cries of those burdened with sin and suffering from all manner of afflictions. “And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them” (Mark 6:34, KJV). These words hold deep meaning for the suffering. He made their burdens His own, shared in their concerns, felt their fears, and His heart ached with tender pity for them.

Oh, what love! What incomparable love! He became one with humanity so that He might share in all the experiences of human life. He was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin. Humanity is not something to be regarded as common or worthless. Christ clothed His divinity with humanity so that humanity might be clothed with His righteousness. Mankind is the object of His deep care and immeasurable love.

Redemption—how much is contained in that word! All who choose to be redeemed are uplifted and sanctified, freed from all worldliness, and enabled to work with God in the great mission of salvation. Jesus took upon Himself humanity and, in His own life and character, revealed what man can become, even when placed in the most difficult circumstances. He did not possess even a coin to pay the required tribute and performed a miracle to provide the small sum.

Jesus, our precious Savior, had no home of His own and often experienced hunger. He had nowhere to lay His head. He was frequently weary. Yet, humanity is honored because Jesus took upon Himself our nature to show the world what it can become. He came to bring life and immortality to light, to illuminate even the most ordinary and humble duties of life with divine purpose. Jesus leans toward us, seeking to see if our character reflects His own. “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water” (John 4:10, KJV).