The Upper Room Devotional 4 March 2026, Wednesday Message
Compassion
Jeremy K. Mullen (Pennsylvania, USA)
Today’s Reading
Matthew 14:12-21
When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. – Matthew 14:14 (NIV)
When reading the familiar story of Jesus feeding the five thousand, we may be in such a hurry to take notice of Jesus’ miracle that we miss an important detail: Jesus had compassion for others at a time when he needed compassion from others. Jesus had decided to spend time with his disciples away from the crowd after he learned that John the Baptist had been beheaded. But the crowd followed Jesus and was waiting for him when he stepped out of the boat. If I had been in Jesus’ shoes, I might have complained about the crowd or angrily demanded that they leave. But instead, “when Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them.”
Jesus had compassion on the crowd even though he had just learned about his cousin’s death and was hoping to spend some quiet time alone. But Jesus showed us that we can offer compassion in all circumstances. Even when we are going through troubles of our own, may we imitate our Lord’s example and have compassion on others.
Thought for the Day
I imitate Christ when I show compassion.
Prayer Focus
To show compassion even when it is difficult
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March 2026 Wednesday Study Questions
Today’s Prayer
God of compassion, in our world filled with people who are hurting and in need, help us always to imitate our compassionate Lord. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 4 March 2026 is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More