Friday 3 December 2021

True compassion

See how he loved her. John 11:36

Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary were friends of Jesus. When Lazarus fell ill, his sisters sent to Jesus to say : “Lord, behold, he whom you love is sick. "Jesus wanted to be reassuring :" This disease is not at death, but it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it." The rest of the story seems to prove him wrong. Jesus remained for two more days in the place where he had received the news. And during this time Lazarus died.

Jesus, had he been reckless ? Did he really love Lazarus and his sisters ? Were Marthe and Marie right in making this remark to him, which looks very much like a reproach : "If you had been here, my brother would not have died ?"

In front of the tomb of Lazarus, Jesus trembled with emotion and wept. Seeing his tears the Jews present said : "See how he loved him."

Throughout his ministry Jesus always showed great compassion towards men, even when his words might seem harsh and harsh. Another story tells us of Jesus' tears in the face of Jerusalem, which the majority of the inhabitants had rejected (Luke 19.41-42).

You and I, whoever we are, believing in God or not, we enjoy the same compassion from Jesus Christ. Even if we have the impression that he is slow to hear us, come to our aid or respond to our requests.

His compassion for men has not changed.

Jack Mouyon

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Proposed reading : Gospel according to Luke, chapter 19, verses 41 to 44.

19:41 As he drew near to the city, when Jesus saw it, he wept over it, and said :

19.42 If you also, at least in this day which is given to you, knew the things which are of your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.

19.43 The days will come upon you, when your enemies will surround you with trenches, and shut you up, and squeeze you in on all sides ;

19:44 They will destroy you and your children in your midst, and they will not leave stone upon stone in you, because you did not know the time when you were visited.

Source (Live Today)