Who Cares?
As Jesus and the disciples left the city of Jericho, a huge crowd followed behind. 30 Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” 31 The crowd told them to be quiet, but they only shouted louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” 32 Jesus stopped in the road and called, “What do you want me to do for you?” 33 “Lord,” they said, “we want to see!” 34 Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed him. Mt. 20:29-34 (NLT)
1. I wonder how many lives have ended with the words, WHO CARES?
2. After September 11th, 2001 there are many people after asking this question.
Sympathy requires only a feeling. Compassion involves several requirements.
1- In Order To Show Compassion You Must SEE A Need.
1. Have you ever been in great need and feel like people are looking right through you?
Illus. Bruce Lee “F. w/o F”.
2. “Some people have developed the art of looking WITHOUT seeing”.
3. Some people have developed a COVER-UP. (Façade, camouflage, mask, disguise)
4. In order to see a need I must LOOK beyond the exterior of a person!
2- In Order To Show Compassion You Must CARE.
I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought! No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me. Ps. 142:4 (NLT)
1. Too many have the “THEY made their bed, let THEM lay in it” mentality. (SO did we!!!!)
2. Compassion is not a SNOB gone slumming.
3. GOD’S people must care!
ß Jeremiah was concerned over his generation!
Oh, that my eyes were a fountain of tears; I would weep forever! I would sob day and night for all my people who have been slaughtered. Jer. 9:1 (NLT)
ß Paul was concerned over the people of his day!
In the presence of Christ, I speak with utter truthfulness--I do not lie--and my conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm that what I am saying is true. 2 My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief 3 for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed--cut off from Christ!--if that would save them. Rom. 9:1-3 (NLT)
ß Jesus demonstrated His concern constantly.
He felt great pity for the crowds that came, because their problems were so great and they didn’t know where to go for help. They were like sheep without a shepherd. Mt. 9:36 (NLT)
4. We need a fresh anointing of CONCERN.
Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. 6 They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest. Ps. 126:5-6 (NLT)
3- In Order To Show Compassion You Must DO Something. (Mt. 25:41-46)
1. True compassion requires ACTION.
2. Sympathy is about FEELING, compassion is about DOING.
3. A word of caution, use WISDOM.
ß Don’t help too much! This creates the “SPOILED child” syndrome.
ß Remember, it is TROUBLE that often drives men to the only true source of trust – God.
Do you need help this morning?
1. In order for someone to help you, you must WANT it.
2. In order for someone to help you, you must ASK for it.
3. In order for someone to help you, you must be willing to ACCEPT it.
Christian -
4. See a need, care about it and are you willing to do “something”????
Copyright © 1977-2002 by Dr. C. David White
1851 River Bluff Rd. N. Jacksonville, FL 32211
I encourage the use of this material to profit the Kingdom of God, but not to be used in for-profit resale in any form. Please obtain the permission of the author before use of any other kind.
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