Jesus Walks Part 3: The Compassion of Christ

Jesus Walks

Pastor Ray-ann Dela Fuente
October 5, 2025
Part 3: "The Compassion of Christ"
Matthew 9

Opening Verse:
“Then he said, “Cut the living child in two, and give half to one woman and half to the other!” Then the woman who was the real mother of the living child, and who loved him very much, cried out, “Oh no, my Lord! Give her the child—please do not kill him!” But the other woman said, “All right, he will be neither yours nor mine; divide him between us!”
1 Kings 3:25-26 NLT

Introduction:
Welcome to an amazing Sunday here at River of Faith! We are in part three of our new series I entitled Jesus Walks! In this series we will look at the examples of Jesus Christ on how to love when it's difficult, how to forgive when we are hurting, and how to care for people who disagree with us or see us as their enemies.

To have the mind of Christ is to have the attitude of Christ, and to have the attitude of Christ we must learn to love like Christ, and when we learned how to love like Him, we will have the same compassion as He did to all kinds of people. What is compassion? To be compassionate is to have a deep sympathy and pity towards others. God's compassion is rooted in His love and mercy. Jesus was filled with compassion. He fed the hungry, healed the sick, comforted those who are grieving.

Main Pointers:
“When Jesus arrived at the official’s home, he saw the noisy crowd and heard the funeral music. “Get out!” he told them. “The girl isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.” But the crowd laughed at him. After the crowd was put outside, however, Jesus went in and took the girl by the hand, and she stood up! The report of this miracle swept through the entire countryside. After Jesus left the girl’s home, two blind men followed along behind him, shouting, “Son of David, have mercy on us!” They went right into the house where he was staying, and Jesus asked them, “Do you believe I can make you see?” “Yes, Lord,” they told him, “we do.” Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.” Then their eyes were opened, and they could see! Jesus sternly warned them, “Don’t tell anyone about this.” But instead, they went out and spread his fame all over the region. When they left, a demon-possessed man who couldn’t speak was brought to Jesus. So Jesus cast out the demon, and then the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed. “Nothing like this has ever happened in Israel!” they exclaimed. But the Pharisees said, “He can cast out demons because he is empowered by the prince of demons.””
Matthew 9:23-34 NLT

1. Jesus' ministry was deeply rooted in His compassion for the people.

A. Jesus not only touched the hearts of people He came across with but He was very intentional in meeting them right where they are.

B. Jesus ministered to them emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and even physically. He touched people's hearts not only with His teachings but with His compassion for them. “But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness."
Psalms 86:15 NLT

2. Jesus is our Great Shepherd.

“Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
Matthew 9:35-36 NLT

A. Jesus did not stay in one place and wait for people to come to Him. He went from one village to another and sought out the people to teach them and bring salvation to them. A good shepherd is always driven by compassion for his people.

B. “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.”
John 10:14-15 NLT

C. “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever."
Psalms 23:1-6 NLT

3. People need the Lord.

“He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.””
Matthew 9:37-38 NLT

A. People were confused, helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus came to meet all kinds of people even those that hated Him and His message.

B. “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
Matthew 10:16-20 NLT

Conclusion:
To love like Christ is the greatest calling of every believer in Christ. To follow Christ is to  love the same way as He did and that means to live a life full of compassion. How people will treat us is beyond our control what we control is how we will treat others despite of their actions towards us. Jesus had compassion to people all the time!