As we pick up the story again, Jesus is still at the party at Matthew’s house. He answered challenges from the religious leaders about why he ate with tax collectors and sinners. He also answered challenges from John’s disciples about fasting and how Jesus’ work connected to the Old Testament and to religious traditions of the time. Jesus was then approached by the synagogue ruler (think Lead Pastor of the synagogue) because his daughter was dying. That led off to a series of powerful displays of Christ’s ability and willingness to heal, even raising the dead. 

One of the most striking things about this section of Matthew to me is the description in verse 36, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Jesus didn’t do all of these things for personal glory and recognition, but actually rejected attempts to spread the news about His ministry. He did this work out of compassion for people. I don’t know that we always consider the compassion of God toward us. Yet, if Jesus is God incarnate, then He is the clearest reference we have to the nature of God. On Sunday we are going to spend time exploring the compassion of God in Christ, and how that shapes His work and power. 

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