His Mercy for Sinners Remains

From the cradle to the cross, Jesus lived a life marked by what theologians call a "state of humiliation." Though He was the radiant glory of God, full of grace and truth (Hebrews 1:3; John 1:14), He willingly walked the path of rejection, grief, and sorrow. As Isaiah wrote, He was “despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). This suffering was not arbitrary. It was designed by the Father to equip Jesus to be a compassionate and faithful high priest, perfectly suited to understand and aid those who suffer and are tempted.

Scripture affirms that Jesus "had to be made like his brothers in every respect" so that He could make atonement for sin and provide ongoing help for those struggling (Hebrews 2:17–18). His compassion was not only visible in His earthly ministry, where He healed the sick and fed the hungry, but it continues today in His exalted state in heaven.

So, the question arises Does Jesus still feel compassion for us now that He is glorified and no longer capable of suffering?

A Compassion That Transcends Suffering

In heaven, Jesus is no longer a man of sorrows; He is no longer subjected to temptation, pain, or humiliation. His body has been glorified powerful, incorruptible, and animated by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 15:44; Romans 1:4). And yet, He remains fully human. He didn’t shed His humanity at His ascension; rather, it was perfected.

This glorified humanity still possesses affection real, genuine emotion. The difference is that these affections, such as compassion and love, are now perfected. They no longer burden Him or bring sorrow. Instead, they are unhindered and fully empowered to move Him toward merciful action on our behalf.

Thomas Goodwin, in his pastoral classic The Heart of Christ in Heaven Towards Sinners on Earth, argues that Christ’s exalted compassion is not a weaker version of His earthly tenderness. Rather, it is amplified, more potent and focused, freed from the limitations of pain and distraction.

What Christ Feels Now

Christ's affections are not metaphorical they are grounded in His ongoing human nature. While God in His essence is impassible and cannot suffer, Jesus, as the God-man, continues to feel human emotion. His love and compassion are genuine and flow from His glorified body and soul.

This means Christ does not merely recall His earthly suffering with distant nostalgia. His compassion toward us is present, alive, and more effective because He is not weighed down by human frailty. Goodwin explains that the glorified Christ’s heart is still moved by our plight not to sorrow, but to action. He is not indifferent to our struggles; He is more deeply invested than ever.

A High Priest Who Never Forgets

Hebrews 4:15 assures us, “We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses.” Christ's earthly suffering gave Him experiential compassion something divine essence alone could not possess. As Stephen Charnock explains, Christ "reflects" on His earthly trials to supply us with sympathy that far surpasses what we can feel for ourselves.

In fact, research supports the value of empathetic leadership. A study by Catalyst found that employees with empathetic leaders were more innovative and engaged. If this is true in secular contexts, how much more powerful is our engagement with a Savior who empathizes perfectly who has walked our path and now intercedes for us at the right hand of the Father?

Glorified Compassion Is Our Hope

One might wonder how Christ, perfectly joyful in heaven, can be compassionate toward those still suffering. Goodwin proposes a powerful truth: Christ experiences two kinds of joy one complete in Himself, and one growing as His bride, the Church, moves toward final glorification. Until we are with Him fully, part of His heart remains tenderly concerned for our sanctification and well-being.

And that concern is not weakness. As Goodwin so beautifully writes, “Your very sins move him to pity more than to anger.” Because sin is the greatest misery, and because Christ loves us deeply, His compassion is drawn out especially when we are weakest. This isn't leniency or neglect of justice it is the outpouring of His perfect love in action.

In this way, the impassibility of Christ’s glorified body is good news. Because He cannot suffer, He cannot be distracted. He is never too weary to help. He is never too broken Himself to bind up our wounds. His love is not diminished by our failures, but drawn forth by them.

Christ, the Man of Succors

Jesus was once called a "man of sorrows." Now, He is rightly called a man of succors a man of relief, help, and mercy. He stands ready, not just remembering our pain, but actively intervening with grace, strength, and healing.

Every trial, every temptation, and every tear is fully understood by Christ. And while He no longer sheds tears of His own, His perfected affections ensure that we have His undivided, unhindered attention. His ministry of compassion did not end at the ascension it was amplified.

As believers, we are assured that our Savior, seated in glory, is more compassionate, more understanding, and more present in our suffering than we can possibly comprehend. He is not distant. He is not indifferent. He is powerful in His love, tender in His care, and unwavering in His commitment to bring us safely home.

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