Costly Compassion

Matthew 14:3–14 NIV

3 Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, 4 for John had been saying to him: “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered John a prophet. 6 On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for the guests and pleased Herod so much 7 that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. 8 Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” 9 The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted 10 and had John beheaded in the prison. 11 His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. 12 John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus. 13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

A Prophet’s Fate

Old Testament prophets were persecuted by their own people and religious leaders

Some were even martyred

John the Baptist was no exception

Killed because of his prophetic rebuke of king Herod’s sham marriage

Grief and Compassion

Jesus learned of His cousin’s brutal death

Reminded of his own mission and fate

Retreated to a place of solitude to grieve

The crowds followed Him

He had compassion for them and healed their sick

Empowered By Mission and Purpose

John and Jesus both knew the value of their mission

Both knew the mission was bigger than their comfort

Grieve, but don’t lose compassion or be overcome with fear

Compassion flows from the love of God

Mission Is Messy

Called to love people created in God’s image

Sin obscures that image in messy people

Even Herod was loved by Jesus

Compassion means that what’s obscuring the image of God in others is painful to look at

Grief and fear are guaranteed on mission

Grief and Compassion Come from God

Do you grieve only your own losses, or sin’s oppression on all of God’s creation?

Compassion looks through sin’s obfuscation of the image of God

Grief reveals that Creation is damaged

Compassion is the love of God reacting to that grief and seeking to make things right

How are you doing today?

Are you grieving?

What is God telling you in this grief?

Are you experiencing compassion fatigue?

When was the last time you retreated to solitude with Jesus?

Reapproach with a renewed perspective of Jesus grieving with you