Introductory Thoughts
The scripture plainly declares that God was compassionate prior tothe coming of Christ. Hiscoming to earth in a body of flesh simply confirmed that He is a compassionate Saviour. The coming of Christ, in the likeness of sinful flesh, enabled God the Son to experience the temptations and struggles of mankind (Romans 8:3, Hebrews 5:8). His compassion on earth reveals that He suffered with man, but more importantly, He suffered for man. He took the sins of the world upon Himself (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24), and gave man His own righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). One of the greatest demonstrationsof His compassion is the fact that God Himself loved us enough to be housed in a body of flesh (Hebrews 10:5).
Devotional Thoughts
-
(For children): How would you feel if someone took you out of your home and put you in a home where you were not loved by everyone and even got mistreated? Jesus willingly did this for you.
-
(For everyone): Did Jesus learn anything by coming in a body of flesh? If so, what did He learn? What are some of His experiences while on earth that you might also have to endure?
-
Gods compassion stems from His mercies (Lamentations 3:32). Since each of us is undeserving of His mercies, isnt it also likely that we are undeserving of His compassion?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to help you sacrifice for Him like He sacrificed for you.
- Ask God to help youunderstand thebenefits of His compassion.
Song
And Can It Be, That I Should Gain?
