THE LIGHT THAT NEVER SHINES!

THE LIGHT THAT NEVER SHINES!

Written by CAROLYN MAIZEY, 12-year-old.

West Leederville Primary School

Let me off, I must be free,

Away from the organised rat-race of time!

I’m caught on a merry-go-round of falsities.

Deception and deceit are a way of life!

Sincerity and consideration are somehow forgotten.

Money is now the main objective.

I long for open spaces and free air

Away from the maze of cluttered minds.

Away from hard sell and exaggeration!

Myriads of sights are polluting our scenery,

Distorting value and truth!

But isn’t truth worth more than money?

I’m lost in a labyrinth of sales and specials.

Bargains crammed down my throat—choking me!

We’re destroying and decaying our world.

Polluting land, sea, and our own minds!

The disease, like greed for money, is eating our COMPASSION!

Somehow, someway, somewhere there must be a LIGHT!                                              

  JESUS! (John 1:1-5; 8:12; 9:5; 12:46; 14:6) JESUS!

(John 16:33; Acts 2:36-47)

OUR CHALLENGE!

(Romans 10:13-15; Philippians 4:13)

(Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Peter 2:9)

The Compassionate Heart of Jesus!

Compassion is a defining attribute of Jesus Christ, consistently demonstrated throughout His earthly ministry. The Gospels provide numerous accounts of Jesus' deep empathy and mercy towards individuals and crowds, reflecting His divine nature and mission to bring healing and salvation to a broken world.

Biblical Instances of Jesus’ Compassion:1. Healing the Sick and Afflicted: Jesus' compassion is vividly illustrated in His healing miracles. In Matthew 14:14, it is recorded, "When He stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had Compassion on them and healed their sick." This passage highlights Jesus' immediate response to human suffering, prioritising the needs of the people over His own.

2. Feeding the Hungry: The feeding of the five thousand is another testament to Jesus' Compassion. In Mark 6:34, it states, "When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had Compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things." His Compassion led not only to spiritual teaching but also to the miraculous provision of food, ensuring the physical well-being of the multitude.

3. Raising the Dead: Jesus' Compassion extends to those grieving the loss of loved ones. In Luke 7:13-15, upon encountering a widow mourning her only son, "When the Lord saw her, He had Compassion on her and said, 'Do not weep.' Then He went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. 'Young man,' He said, 'I tell you, get up!' And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him back to his mother." This act of Compassion not only restored life but also hope and joy to a bereaved family.

4. Forgiving Sinners: Jesus' Compassion is also evident in His interactions with sinners. In John 8:10-11, when confronted with a woman caught in adultery, Jesus said, "Woman, where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you?" "No one, Lord," she answered. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Now go and sin no more." His response underscores His willingness to forgive and restore, offering grace instead of judgment.

Theological Significance: Jesus' Compassion is not merely an emotional response but a profound expression of His divine love and mercy. It reveals to us the heart of God towards humanity, emphasising the value and dignity of every individual. Jesus' Compassionate Actions: serve as a model for His followers, calling us to embody the same love and mercy in our interactions with others.

Compassion: in Jesus' Teachings:Jesus' teachings further illuminate His Compassionate nature. In the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37), Jesus illustrates the importance of showing mercy to others, regardless of social or ethnic boundaries. The Samaritan's actions reflect the Compassion that Jesus Himself exemplified, challenging His followers to "go and do likewise" (Luke 10:37).

Scriptures referred to in this Lesson: (Matthew 4:23-25; Chapters 5-7; 7:28-29; Luke 5;16-26; Matthew 9:1-17, 18-34; 35-38; 10:1-2; 20:28; John 10:10; Isaiah 53:6; 1 Timothy 1:15; John 1:3-5; 14:6).

Conclusion:The Compassion of Jesus is a central theme in the Gospels, demonstrating His deep love for humanity and His desire to alleviate suffering. Through His actions and teachings, Jesus calls us, as His followers, to live lives marked by Compassion, reflecting His love to a world in need.