The core of Jesus' ministry, as depicted in the Gospels, is his deep compassion for the suffering and marginalized. Ortlund emphasizes that Jesus' actions—healing the sick, forgiving sins, and comforting the bereaved—are direct manifestations of his innermost desires. For instance, when a leper asks Jesus to make him clean, Jesus responds immediately, revealing his deepest wish to heal and restore (Matt. 8:2-3). 'The Greek word for 'compassion'... refers most literally to the bowels or guts of a person—it’s an ancient way of referring to what rises up from one’s innermost core.' | Dane C. Ortlund | Gentle and Lowly

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Christian

Christ's Compassionate Heart

The core of Jesus' ministry, as depicted in the Gospels, is his deep compassion for the suffering and marginalized. Ortlund emphasizes that Jesus' actions—healing the sick, forgiving sins, and comforting the bereaved—are direct manifestations of his innermost desires. For instance, when a leper asks Jesus to make him clean, Jesus responds immediately, revealing his deepest wish to heal and restore (Matt. 8:2-3). 'The Greek word for 'compassion'... refers most literally to the bowels or guts of a person—it’s an ancient way of referring to what rises up from one’s innermost core.'

-- Dane C. Ortlund