Learning to be Compassionate like Jesus Christ
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson
When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.”—Matthew 8:10 (ESV)
Recently, I reposted a quote on Facebook from Spartacus who was a Roman politician. A modern-day politician by the name of Cory Booker, a United States Senator, had posted this quote on his social media.
It said, “Don't speak to me about your religion; first show it to me in how you treat other people. Don't tell me how much you love your God; show me in how much you love all God's children. Don't preach to me your passion for your faith; teach me through your compassion for your neighbors. In the end, I'm not as interested in what you have to tell or sell as I am in how you choose to live and give.”
A very conservative Christian minister objected to and chided me for using the words of a Roman politician currently quoted by a liberal American politician as an exhortation to my Facebook friends to be nice and compassionate. I referenced the interaction that Jesus Christ had with a Roman Centurion to justify my use of the quote. He challenged me to reread and restudy the story in Matthew 8:1-10. In a few short thoughts, I’d like to share the fruit of my study.
The passage begins with a striking scene: A leper approaches Jesus, kneeling before Him and saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean” (Matthew 8:2 ESV). This simple yet profound declaration encapsulates the essence of faith. The leper acknowledges Christ’s authority and power, expressing confidence in His ability to heal. At the same time, he humbly submits to the Lord’s will, recognizing that his healing is contingent upon the God’s willingness.
As the narrative unfolds, we encounter another demonstration of faith, this time from a centurion—a Roman officer—who approaches Jesus on behalf of his paralyzed servant. Remarkably, the centurion displays a depth of faith that astonishes Christ. He declares, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed” (Matthew 8:8 ESV). The centurion recognizes the authority of Christ's spoken word, believing that His command alone is sufficient to bring about healing.
Jesus marvels at the centurion’s faith. He declared, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith” (Matthew 8:10 ESV). This unbeliever, an outsider to Judaism, demonstrates a faith that surpasses that of many within Israel. His humility, trust, and recognition of Christ’s authority serves as a powerful example for believers of all ages.
In reflecting on this passage, I invite you to consider the nature of our own faith. Do you approach Jesus with the same confidence and humility? Do you really trust His authority in your life? Are you as willing as was the centurion in this Bible story to acknowledge His sovereignty in every aspect of your life?
Moreover, this passage challenges us to embrace and project the compassion of Christ as we interact with others, especially those whose backgrounds and experiences are radically different from our own. Like Jesus did, let’s extend love and grace to the marginalized, the oppressed, the outcast and those whose choices are not ones that we approve of. Following the example set by Christ, let’s recognize the intrinsic value of those around us. All who live and breathe still have some essence of the image of God. We honor God by safely recognizing His image in them, no matter how dimly or brightly it is reflected.
Please note that your salvation is not won by your good words or works because that was accomplished at the cross on which Christ died on and guaranteed by the empty tomb after Jesus rose victorious over death and the devil. Good deeds and compassion, of which Spartacus was earlier quoted, are not the method of salvation, they are the fruit.
Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, Help us to see You in others and live so that others may see You in us. In the name of Jesus I ask this blessing. Amen.
Song of Reflection: “Do They See Jesus in Me?” by Sandra Entermann. Listen to it here.
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Author Bio:
Chaplain Anderson is the Director Emeritus of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries for the North American Division. In this role, he was the friend, advocate and gatekeeper for the profession of chaplaincy among Adventist pastors.
His new mission is to specialize in personal and personnel development coaching.
He journeys with and guides clients, personal and corporate, as they define their goals and grow into their full potential.
His pastoral career began in the Allegheny East Conference where he was ordained.
Subsequently, he served in the Potomac Conference at the Sligo and Seabrook churches. His professional dream was to be a chaplain in the United States Navy. He got to live that dream and achieved the rank of Commander before retiring from Naval service in 2015 with 26 years of service.
Chaplain Anderson has earned four graduate degrees: He earned his Master of Divinity Degree was earned at the seminary at Andrews University. He earned a Master’s of Education from the University of Maryland and a Master’s in Sacred Theology from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington D.C.
Chaplain Anderson and his wife Debra have been married for 41 years. They have two healthy, saved and well-adjusted adult children who picked good spouses and delivered four grandchildren.
Adventures through traveling, reading, praying, preaching, teaching and writing are the avenues of ministry and self-care that define his now and his destiny.
You may connect with Chaplain Anderson via email at this address: psanderson75@gmail.com.
