Introduction

Good morning, church family. I trust you've all had a blessed week. Today, we're going to dive deep into Luke 10 and explore how Jesus's compassion for the underprivileged was not just a part of His character, but it's also an instruction for us as believers. We're going to look at how we can emulate His compassion and the blessings that come with it.

I'm reminded of what the great C.S. Lewis once said, "True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less." It's about focusing on others, particularly those who are less fortunate than us.

I. The Compassion of Jesus for the Underprivileged

The compassion of Jesus for the underprivileged is a central theme that runs throughout the Gospels, and it's a characteristic of His that we, as His followers, are called to emulate. The story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10 is a perfect illustration of this compassion. The Samaritan, who was considered an outsider and even an enemy by the Jews, was the only one who stopped to help the man who had been beaten and left for dead. This is a powerful picture of the compassion that Jesus has for those who are hurting, marginalized, and overlooked by society.

In the story, the priest and the Levite, who were both religious leaders and should have been the first to help, instead chose to pass by on the other side of the road. They saw the man's need but chose not to respond. Contrast this with the Samaritan's response. He saw the man's need and was moved with compassion. He didn't just feel sorry for the man; he took action. He bandaged his wounds, put him on his own donkey, brought him to an inn, and paid for his care. This is the kind of compassion that Jesus demonstrated throughout His ministry, and it's the kind of compassion He calls us to have.

A. Jesus's compassion for the underprivileged wasn't limited to physical needs. He also had a deep compassion for their spiritual needs. He spent time with tax collectors, sinners, and those who were considered unclean. He reached out to them, taught them, and offered them salvation. He saw their spiritual poverty and was moved with compassion.

B. This compassion wasn't just a feeling; it was an action. Jesus didn't just feel sorry for people; He did something about it. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and preached the good news to the poor. He didn't just talk about compassion; He lived it. And He calls us to do the same.

In our society today, there are many who are underprivileged. There are those who are poor, sick, homeless, and marginalized. There are those who are spiritually lost and in need of salvation. As followers of Jesus, we are called to have compassion for these individuals. We are called to see their needs and to respond with love and kindness. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, showing His love to a hurting world.

But what does this look like in practical terms? How do we show compassion to the underprivileged in our day-to-day lives? Application: It might mean giving to those in need, volunteering our time, or sharing the gospel. It might mean standing up for those who are marginalized and advocating for justice. It might mean simply being a friend to someone who is lonely. There are many ways to show compassion, and each of us can find ways that align with our unique gifts and abilities.

C. The key is to see people as Jesus sees them. To see their worth and value, regardless of their circumstances. To see their needs and to be moved with compassion. To take action, even when it's inconvenient or costly. This is the compassion of Jesus for the underprivileged.

II. The Responsibility of Believers to Show Compassion

As believers, we're not just called to admire Jesus's compassion for the underprivileged; we're called to emulate it ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO