Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

It is easy to criticize people and choices when you are looking from a distance. I’ll be honest, I’ve yelled more than once at the TV while we watched professional athletes who have trained their entire lives to perform at a high level. Of course, I know that I could never come close to doing what they do, but that doesn’t stop me from complaining.

I want to be careful not to armchair quarterback here, but man, it seems like Jesus’ disciples totally missed the ball more than once. Mark 10 is a great example.

In Mark 10:13-16, we read about this incredibly powerful moment that highlights the heart and compassion of Jesus. People are bringing their children to Jesus, hoping He might touch and bless them. The disciples for some reason turn into Scrooge and start rebuking the parents and sending them away. Why not yell at a few kids in the presence of your Savior?

The text tells us that Jesus became "indignant.” I love that language because you cannot deny the seriousness of His emotional state. This reaction highlights the seriousness with which He views the disciples' actions. Jesus values every individual, especially those whom society often overlooks or undervalues, like the children in this context.

Don’t miss Jesus' command to "let the little children come to me.” It’s not just about allowing physical access to Him; there is a deeper invitation here into His love and acceptance. Children, in their innocence and vulnerability, represent the kind of trust and dependence that Jesus says is essential for anyone to enter the kingdom of God.

Look at how the story ends in verse 16: “And he took them in his arms and blessed, laying his hands on them.” This image of Jesus holding the children close is a tender demonstration of His compassionate nature. He doesn't merely tolerate the presence of the lowly or the needy—Jesus embraces them fully, providing them with His time, attention, and blessing.

Apart from the disciples' example, there are several key lessons on compassion that we can draw from this moment. First, compassion involves recognizing the value in every person, regardless of their status or what they can offer us. The disciples saw the children as a distraction, but Jesus saw them as precious individuals worthy of His love.

Second, true compassion moves us to action. It’s not enough to feel pity or empathy; like Jesus, we must be willing to embrace people and provide them with what they need – whether it’s time, attention, encouragement, or support.

Lastly, compassion allows us to see others through the eyes of Jesus. The world often categorizes people based on their usefulness, productivity, or social standing. However, Jesus sees beyond these superficial metrics and calls out the worth in every individual.

As we go, let’s be people of Christ-like compassion. Be quick to welcome, slow to judge, and eager to bless those around us. In doing so, we reflect the heart of our Savior and bring a piece of His kingdom to earth.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Who in your story do you have the opportunity to show compassion? 
• Have you missed those opportunities for compassion and instead slid into neglect like the disciples? Ask for their forgiveness and choose compassion today.
• Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for showing me what it looks like to show compassion to those You have put in my life. I pray that You will open my eyes and soften my heart towards the people to have placed in my story. Help me to see like You, Jesus. In Your name, I pray, Amen.