Passion Week: Day 4
Thursday:
COMPASSION
Isaiah 53: 3–5- “He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”
Words evolve over time, shaping how we communicate and understand our world. Exploring their origins can offer fresh perspectives. Take "compassion," for example. While it now conveys empathy and care, its roots lie in "com-" (together) and "passion" (from Latin "pati," meaning suffering), originally implying "to suffer with" or "to suffer together."
In Isaiah, we encounter the concept of the "Suffering Servant," a depiction commonly associated with Jesus Christ. Like us, he experienced physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering during his earthly life. Through these ordeals, he developed a deep empathy, enabling him to truly understand and share in our pain (Heb 2:18).
Today marks the occasion of Jesus sharing his last supper with his disciples. Reflect on the significance of that evening, recognizing that it was compassion, both in its modern and ancient sense, that led Jesus to walk among us and continues to assure us of his presence in our struggles. Let Christ's example inspire you to extend genuine empathy and support to those around you, sharing in their joys and sorrows. And as recipients of divine compassion, strive to mirror this compassion in your interactions with others, fostering understanding and solidarity.
How is God speaking to you?
How will you apply this to yourself and to others today?
Take a moment now in prayer to give thanks, praise, confess or lift up a request
In Isaiah, we encounter the concept of the "Suffering Servant," a depiction commonly associated with Jesus Christ. Like us, he experienced physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering during his earthly life. Through these ordeals, he developed a deep empathy, enabling him to truly understand and share in our pain (Heb 2:18).
Today marks the occasion of Jesus sharing his last supper with his disciples. Reflect on the significance of that evening, recognizing that it was compassion, both in its modern and ancient sense, that led Jesus to walk among us and continues to assure us of his presence in our struggles. Let Christ's example inspire you to extend genuine empathy and support to those around you, sharing in their joys and sorrows. And as recipients of divine compassion, strive to mirror this compassion in your interactions with others, fostering understanding and solidarity.
How is God speaking to you?
How will you apply this to yourself and to others today?
Take a moment now in prayer to give thanks, praise, confess or lift up a request
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