COMPASSIONATE
UNDERSTANDING
Matthew 9:14-15 One day the disciples of John the
Baptist came to Jesus and asked Him, "Why don't Your disciples fast like
we do and the Pharisees do?" (15) Jesus
replied, "Do wedding guests mourn while
celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken
away from them, and then they will fast.
Please note it is the disciples of John the Baptist who are
asking Jesus this question. Also note that Jesus does not berate them for it.
At this time, their leader, John is in prison. They have great sorrow in their
hearts knowing at any moment John could be put to death. They have good reason
to be fasting.
On the other hand Jesus is with His disciples. It is a time of
celebration. The Messiah has come and is teaching them daily. He compares
Himself to a groom and a truly loving groom does not mourn. He rejoices and His
guests rejoice with Him.
There is a compassion here that I have missed in the past.
Jesus recognizes the pain that John’s disciples are experiencing and He
foretells that same pain for His own disciples. They will miss Him when He is
taken away and they will mourn and fast.
They must have missed His message on fasting in secret. If the
disciples of Jesus had been fasting according to His teaching no one would have
known anyway. Again, Jesus doesn’t use this as an opportunity to chew them out,
but lets it be known that he understands their pain.
When others criticize us it would do us, and them good if we
are quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. Try to understand where
they are coming from. Tomorrow we are going to see another amazing piece of
compassion from our Savior.
Father in heaven, thank You for Your compassion. Grant us
understanding hearts, compassionate hearts. In Jesus Name, AMEN!!!
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