to move with compassion

it’s not to move with guilt

or to move in obligation.

It’s not simply a response to a request

or an expectation.

it’s not to move with the program

it does not attempt to give what it does not have

it doesn’t even automatically give what it does have.

it isn’t caused by the needy

nor by the giver

it’s something outside

and from the inward.

I know i speak in mysteries, but i am mystified by this concept: compassion.

I’ve been reading through the gospel of Mark and today i came upon an account of John and James approaching Jesus and telling Him, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask of You.” Ha! What a statement! We pray that way sometimes don’t we? Coming to God with our assumptions about what He wants and our formulas for how to make Him respond. I am surprised by the way God-incarnate answers,

“What do you want Me to do for you?”

What a question coming from God! What would you say? What do you want Jesus to do for you?

The following conversation is quite interesting. The boys ask for something, a favor, and Jesus says it is not His to give. He says it is “for those for whom it has been prepared.” Now, that tells me several things:

1) Jesus doesn’t give us everything we ask just because we ask!

2) In my opinion, it’s not that Jesus doesn’t have the authority to grant this request; He does. The favor IS within Christ’s right to give, so, what’s the problem?

3) God reserves specific things for specific individuals.

It’s kinda nice to know that God has specific things prepared for YOU, and He’s not gonna give them away to some other chum just because he asks for it!

A very interesting event takes place immediately following this discussion. A blind man cries out for Jesus’ mercy. Jesus calls the man to Himself and again asks thevery same question, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

I’m so taken by that question right now!

The blind man asks for his sight and Jesus declares him well right then and there.

What’s going on here? Within moments, Jesus is asked for two favors. Being God, He has the power and authority to grant them both, but He grants only one. I had to learn more!

Matthew reports a nearly identical event, yet it has some interesting difference which make me wonder if they were distinct events. John & James’ mama comes to Jesus with the boys and asks for the favor. He gives the same answer. Then TWO blind men cry out for Christ’s mercy, and here’s what happens:

“Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.”

Ah! “moved with compassion”! This is the real treasure here… (to be continued)