Thursday  -  THE ROAD MARKED BY COMPASSION

by Jimmy Carter
Senior Pastor

LUKE 23:32–43  

There is something about suffering that turns us inward.  

When life hurts, our world shrinks. We protect, withdraw, replay conversations, and justify ourselves. As Augustine said, our hearts become “curved in on themselves.” And suffering only tightens that curve.  

And yet—look at Jesus.
Beaten. Mocked. Nailed to a cross. Struggling to breathe.
Not defending Himself. Not retaliating. Not turning inward.  

He prays, “Father, forgive them.”
He notices a criminal.
He extends mercy: “Today you will be with me in paradise.”  

Even in His deepest suffering, Jesus is still thinking about others.  

Which means this passage presses a question we can’t avoid:
Where am I in this story?
Am I distracted like the soldiers?
Standing at a distance like the crowd?
Scoffing and demanding proof?
Or like the second criminal—broken, honest, fearing God, and asking, “Jesus, remember me”?  

He had nothing to offer—just a desperate request. And it was enough.  

Because the road marked by compassion is not just the road Jesus walks—it’s the road that leads us home.  

Prayer of Response 

Father, we confess how quickly our hearts turn inward. Forgive us for the ways we have curved in on ourselves.  

Jesus, thank You that on the cross You did not turn inward. In Your suffering, You moved toward sinners—even toward us.  

Reshape our hearts. Turn our eyes outward—toward You and toward others. Teach us compassion, even when it costs us.

Today we come like the thief, simply asking: “Jesus, remember me.”  

Help us trust that Your mercy is greater than our sin.  

Amen.