Daily Devotion: March 23

Luke 7:13
“When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’ ”

Compassion. It’s a big word that we don’t use very often in our conversations and sometimes see even less in our actions. How often do we pass by people who are hurting because we don’t have time for them?  We avoid the situation.  What would happen if we just stopped what we were doing and seek what the Lord wants to do in that moment?

In Luke 7:13, Jesus was out with His disciples and came across a woman who was mourning for her only son that had recently died. In verse 13 it says, “When the Lord saw her, he felt compassion for her, and said to her, “Do not weep.” He stopped the procession, touched the coffin and said, “Young man, I say to you, arise”.  The dead man rose up and Jesus gave him back to his mother. Wow, right?

There are countless times I come across hurting people and what do I do? Usually, nothing. I want to be like Jesus, to stop what I am doing and step out and touch them. I want to see what God wants to do. Maybe He wants to bring back to life someone who is hurt or dying, whether it be physically or spiritually.

So let’s remember to step out in faith and see what the Lord will do.

QUESTIONS

1. How have you shown compassion to those you have encountered?

2. Has there been a moment where you should have stopped and shown compassion to someone? What kept you from taking a moment to connect with that person?

3. What is hindering you from stepping out and “touching the coffin?”

FOR YOUR KIDS
Get to Know Your Kids

1. If you had to become a teacher for a day, what would you teach in class?
2. Which cartoon character do you wish you had for a teacher?

Devotional Questions
1. What does compassion mean?
(Compassion means we care about others, treat them with kindness, and feel a strong desire to help people in need.)
 2. When Jesus saw someone hurting, what did he do? (Stopped and helped)
3. Do you think Jesus had a bad attitude when He helped people? (No. He had a good attitude that showed He cared)

Pray
Take time to pray with your kids. Have them think of one friend that is in need and pray for them.

Have Fun
Ask your kids these 8 scenarios and brainstorm responses to how they could react with compassion.

1. You are playing with friends at recess. You notice one person alone who seems sad.
2. Your mom is working hard to get dinner on the table.
3. Someone fell down and hurt themselves.
4. Your brother/sister is sick.
5. You hear of another child who isn’t going to get any presents for Christmas because her parents can’t afford it.

6. Your friend is over at your house for the first time and really wants to play with your favorite toy.
7. You notice a person on crutches struggling to open a door.
8. A friend of yours had their pet dog die.