Subtitle: We should follow in His example.

Excerpt: Jesus Christ exemplified kindness through compassion, healing, and sacrifice, serving as a model for Christians to follow.

Author: Dr. Samuel Shamaun

This article will argue that kindness defines Jesus Christ’s life and teachings. By examining His ministry — helping the marginalized, healing the sick, and sacrificing Himself — we see how His actions serve as the ultimate example of kindness, rooted in profound love and compassion.

1. Jesus and His Compassion for the Marginalized

A major aspect of Jesus’ kindness was His relationship with the marginalized. When people with disabilities, the poor, and sinners were excluded, Jesus approached them with compassion. These interactions highlighted His care for those needing grace.

In Luke 19:10, Jesus explains His mission, which is deeply rooted in kindness and compassion:

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10, NIV)

Here, Jesus states His purpose: to extend kindness and salvation to all, especially the lost. His compassion appears in encounters with sinners, like Zacchaeus, a disliked tax collector. When Zacchaeus hosted Jesus, the crowd criticized Him, but Jesus responded with grace and welcomed change.

Jesus’ outreach was not limited to tax collectors but extended to other marginalized groups. Matthew 9:36 highlights His compassion for crowds who were weary and lost:

“When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36, NIV)

This verse shows Jesus’ empathy for those in distress. Compassion moved Him to act; He never avoided the neglected or mistreated.

2. Jesus’ Healing Ministry: A Reflection of His Kindness

Jesus also showed kindness in His healing ministry. The Gospels recount many healings of the sick, blind, deaf, and afflicted, reflecting divine power and deep kindness.

In Matthew 14:14, we see a beautiful example of Jesus’ compassion when He is moved by the needs of a large crowd:

“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.” (Matthew 14:14, NIV)

This verse shows that compassion motivated Jesus to heal. His acts were expressions of deep love. Even when tired, He did not turn away from suffering. Jesus healed and restored dignity, extending kindness beyond words.

The story of the woman with the issue of continuous bleeding, found in Mark 5:34, is another beautiful example of Jesus’ healing ministry:

“He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.’” (Mark 5:34, NIV)

Here, Jesus not only heals the woman but also speaks words of peace, showing kindness beyond physical healing. He acknowledged her faith and restored her physically and emotionally, giving her peace.

3. Jesus’ Sacrifice: The Ultimate Act of Selfless Kindness

Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is His greatest example of kindness. His death was not just suffering, but the ultimate act of love. He willingly faced pain to bring salvation, showing that kindness means acting even when it is difficult.

In John 15:13, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the nature of true love and kindness:

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13, NIV)

This verse captures Jesus’ sacrifice. He didn’t just teach kindness — He lived it. His death was the supreme act, taking on humanity’s sins to reconcile people with God. Through this, Jesus showed the selfless love that Christians should model.

4. Jesus’ Teaching on Kindness: Love Your Neighbor as Yourself

Jesus also taught kindness. His well-known command, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ is the second greatest commandment in Matthew 22:39:

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39, NIV)

This command is central to Christianity. It calls believers to treat others with the kindness they wish to receive. Jesus taught that love means action, urging followers to love neighbors regardless of background or past.

5. Jesus’ Kindness Towards His Enemies

A challenging aspect of Jesus’ kindness is His command to love enemies. In Luke 6:27–28, Jesus tells followers to show kindness to those who hate or persecute them:

“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:27–28, NIV)

This radical call defines Jesus’ teachings. He taught that kindness is not based on others’ behavior but on the willingness to love, forgive, and serve even when difficult. Jesus modeled this when He prayed for His enemies during the crucifixion:

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34, NIV)

Conclusion: Jesus as the Ultimate Model of Kindness

In conclusion, Jesus Christ is the ultimate model of kindness. His life and teachings guide Christians to live with compassion and selflessness. From caring for the marginalized and healing the sick, to His sacrifice, Jesus showed extraordinary kindness. Followers of Christ are called to imitate His example and extend kindness to all — even those hard to love — reflecting God’s love to the world.