While on this earth Jesus had a very powerful healing and miracle working ministry, although beyond the physical manifestations that confirmed Jesus was the Son of God and promised Messiah, was the ministry of compassion. Jesus came to save the lost (Luke 19:10), and healing and forgiveness were accomplished simultaneously (Luke 5:17-25, James 5:15). The ministry of Christ is unique in this respect; He alone came to earth as the Son of God to be the sacrifice for our sins, offering eternal life. He satisfied the requirements of sacrifice His Father proposed and is the one and only propitiation for our sins. No one else can forgive sin.
The beauty of His sacrifice is that it cannot be converted into gold or other precious earthly commodity. It stands alone as the one sacrifice for sin and path to eternal life (John 14:6). Religious observation is just that – religious observation; nothing more. It isn’t ‘wrong’ per se, although there is no direct correlation between religious observation and a relationship with God. During the time Christ was on earth the Pharisees and Sadducees were ‘religious’; full of pride and condemnation for those who were not as religiously observant as they were (Matthew 23:23-28), including Christ himself (Luke 6:1-11). This religiosity was in direct contrast to the ministry of Christ. His genuine love and compassion for mankind moved His heart to heal, feed, forgive and deliver from demonic possession. He did not become frustrated by those who were possessed by demons, but rather set about to simply deliver a bound and hurting soul from their tormentor.
Christ never became puffed up after performing miracles of healing and forgiveness. He was happy to bring relief and healing – sight to the blind, healing deformities, causing the lame to walk – and He was unassuming when miraculously providing food for the multitude. It wasn’t a sense of duty that drove Him, but compassion; a deep love and concern for people. The disciples carried on the ministry of healing and sharing the Good News of Christ and His atoning sacrifice, offering the way to eternal life for all who believe.
The power Christ demonstrated through His miracles and forgiveness are available to everyone today through trust. It’s a trust in the power of Christ to forgive, having offered Himself as the unique and appropriate sacrifice for our sin. Trust in his sovereignty and providence; that He is able to keep us until that day; “…I know in whom I have put my trust, and I am persuaded that He can keep safe until that Day what He has entrusted to me.” (II Timothy 1:12, Complete Jewish Bible)
For all the incredible miracles Christ performed, He revealed His heart by the compassion He felt for hurting souls. This was the hallmark of the work of Christ when He was on earth, and now through the Holy Spirit, God continues to manifest His compassion for a hurting and dying world. He expects the same from us. “Show compassion, just as your Father shows compassion.” (Luke 6:36, Complete Jewish Bible)