Compassion and Marveling
With one, Jesus marveled. With another, Jesus had compassion. Different responses. And both necessary responses we need from Jesus in different situations of life.
When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” …
And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.”
Luke 7:9, 13
Sometimes Jesus is moved by faith.
Sometimes Jesus is moved by compassion.
The grieving mother and widow had no faith. Or at least no faith that we see in the story. And she certainly wasn’t looking for a miracle.
I mean, come on, who goes to a funeral expecting the person to sit straight up?
The Roman Centurion asked Jesus for a miracle. And yet, didn’t feel worthy to have Jesus come into his house for the miracle.
And Jesus marveled at this foreigner’s faith.
Sometimes we wake up expectant.
Sometimes we wake up devastated.
Faith is seeing things the way only God can see them and then acting on it.
The grieving widow mother couldn’t see past the casket her son was in. And who could blame her?
Jesus didn’t.
If you wake up and find yourself devastated over life’s circumstances, Jesus’ bowels are moved for you.
This is compassion.
If you wake up and find yourself expectant, so much so you believe Jesus can do anything, Jesus admires you.
This is marveling.
We think Jesus’ marveling is better than his compassion.
Neither is better. Both are necessary for different times in life.
Jesus’ compassion in your devastating circumstance will lead you to see life how God sees again.
Jesus’ marveling in your expectation will keep you looking for the things only God can see.
What situation do you find yourself in?
Devastation? Let Jesus have compassion on you.
Expectation? Lean into what you see from God.
And let Jesus do what he needs to bring Life to you in every situation.