Daily text, Wednesday, June 1. 2016

[Queen Esther]

I am longing for all of you with such tender affection as Christ Jesus has.—Phil. 1:8.

Jesus felt tender compassion for others. When he saw his friend Mary and those with her weeping over the death of her brother, Lazarus, Jesus openly “gave way to tears.” (John 11:32-35) Then, likely stirred by heartfelt pity—just as when he raised a widow’s son—he resurrected Lazarus. (Luke 7:11-15; John 11:38-44) By means of that tender act, Jesus may have put Lazarus in line to receive life in heaven. On an earlier occasion, Jesus “felt tender affection” for a crowd that came to him. Impelled by compassion, “he started to teach them many things.” (Mark 6:34; Kingdom Interlinear) What a life-changing experience that was for any who responded to his teachings! Note that Jesus’ tenderness was more than a feeling; it moved him to take the initiative to help others.—Matt. 15:32-38; 20:29-34; Mark 1:40-42. w15 2/15 1:11, 12