THE MIRACLE OF COMPASSION
Text: Luke 5:12-16 
Series: The Wonder of Miracles 

The Bible records Jesus healing many while He was on earth. Yet sometimes, Jesus withdrew from people who sought Him for healing. Why does Jesus heal some and not others? What does this reveal about His nature? How should we respond in moments when the miracles we seek are not given?

Discussion Guide 

1) Jesus’ compassion moves Him to action (12-13)

In your own words, describe what “compassion” means to you. Why do you say so? What are some experiences that shape your understanding of what it means to have compassion? Who is someone you consider compassionate? What did he/she do to give you that impression? In verse 12, the leper asks Jesus about His willingness, not ability, to heal. What does Jesus’ response (13) reveal about His feelings towards the leper? Why do you think Jesus touched the leper when He could have just commanded the leper to be clean from a distance? What does Jesus’ gesture reveal about His character? The leper was supposed to announce his presence by chanting “unclean” three times. Imagine how that must make him feel like a social outcast! Were you in a similar situation before, or know of someone who is? How do you think Jesus feels towards people experiencing social isolation? Though the leper felt unworthy, he boldly approached Jesus for healing. What can you learn from the way the leper approached Jesus? Why do you think some people find it hard to request and receive compassion from Jesus? As a Life Group, how can we present Jesus as the compassionate God that He is to others?

2) Jesus’ compassion compels Him to restrain (14-16)

Have you ever prayed for healing but saw no improvement? How did you feel? How did it affect your view of Jesus or relationship with God? Some think that healing is a matter of having enough faith or praying with the right words. But if God only heals when we have enough faith or when we say the right words, what does that say about the kind of God He is? While Jesus can show His compassion through miracles, more often He expresses His compassion by giving us grace and power to go through life’s challenges in a God-honouring manner (2 Cor 12:9-10). What is a challenge you went through or are going through now that seems too tough to handle? How have you experienced Jesus’ grace and power, even though you do not see improvements in your situation? Share your experiences with your LG to encourage them. If you were to meet someone who wants a miracle but does not receive it, how would you help him/her to make sense of the experience? Talk about it with your LG. How can the LG encourage one another to trust in God’s character and not the results that they see? For example, how should the LG pray for someone who asks for healing?

Reflection Questions 

1) Jesus’ compassion moves Him to action (12-13)
Though the leper felt unworthy, he boldly approached Jesus for healing. What can you learn from the way the leper approached Jesus?

2) Jesus’ compassion compels Him to restrain (14-16)
While Jesus can show His compassion through miracles, more often He expresses His compassion by giving us grace and power to go through life’s challenges in a God-honouring manner (2 Cor 12:9-10). What is a challenge you went through or are going through now that seems too tough to handle? How have you experienced Jesus’ grace and power, even though you do not see improvements in your situation?