The Compassion of Jesus in Times of Grief by Dr. Rod Mattoon

About this sermon

Jesus has compassion for us in our times of grief. In this message we will provide some principles that you can apply or share with others in times of grief. This a portion of the message that was preached on Sunday morning, May 28, 2023, at Lincoln Land Baptist Church. Luke 7:12-15... Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. 14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. 15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. People deal with grief in a variety of ways. Visitors to the Fiji Islands tell of a strange custom of "calling the dead." The one who has suffered bereavement climbs to a high tree on a cliff, and after mentioning the name of the deceased he cries out pathetically, "Come back! Come back!" The heart-rending wail is filled with despair, with only the mocking echoes to underscore its sad frustration! Calling the dead back from the grave will be fruitless and a waste of time unless Jesus is the One doing the calling as we saw in this story in Luke 7. Let me say that if you find yourself grieving or worried over the death of a loved one, there are some things that you can do to help you through this difficult time in your life. If you are not grieving, these principles can be used to help someone else who is grieving over the death of a loved one whether you are a teenager or an adult. Thank God, Jesus draws near to us when we are grieving. * Jesus Draws Near * When the concern about finances weighs heavy upon you like granite boulders, Jesus draws near. * When contemplating the unknown, like an explorer that makes his way through the dampness of a dark, unexplored cave, Jesus draws near. * When you are facing the collapse of your life like fragile buildings leveled by violent earthquakes, Jesus draws near. * When confusion or calamity robs you of your peace and joy like a subtle thief in the night, Jesus draws near. * When cast aside or alone like a wrapper emptied of its candy, Jesus draws near. * When consternation or fear leaves you shaken like green summer leaves whipped by the cool winds of a tornado, Jesus draws near. * When conflict stings your life like the hairs of nettle leaves, Jesus draws near. * When you are compliant to God's Word, like a well-trained dog that is submissive to its master, Jesus draws near. * When your heart is contrite or crushed like fragile eggs that have fallen from their nest, the Lord draws near.

Topics

• Love & Compassion
• Suffering & Trials
• Jesus Christ