What Jesus Did! 'Careful Compassion' — Matthew 12:15-16

With the growing criticism of Jesus and hostility toward him by the religious elite, Jesus begins to withdraw more and spend more time revealing himself and his identity only to the disciples. He doesn't want to be perceived as merely a "miracle maker" by the crowds, but his compassion repeatedly leads him to minister to them and their needs. Even under intense scrutiny, opposition, personal pain, and unfair criticism, Jesus shows compassion to those who are broken. Jesus' actions remind us that nothing, including adverse circumstances, is ever an excuse to ignore or abuse those around us, especially those who are in need of grace. We are put here to do God's work and be his instruments of grace. That purpose is unchanged by circumstance. By faith, we trust our consistent devotion to that purpose will not only please God, but also make a significant impact on others.