Be Compassionate (Luke 1-13): Let the World Know That Jesus Cares

The "Be" Commentary

by Warren W. Wiersbe

  The world still needs His love   The life and ministry of Christ was marked by His overwhelming compassion for people. And His heart is the same today. As believers, we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ, and extend His extravagant love to a broken world. Based on the book of Luke, this study examines the very heartbeat of our Savior, and explores how Jesus connected with hurting people in an authentic and powerful way.  Part of Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe’s best-selling “BE” commentary series, BE Compassionate has now been updated with study questions and a new introduction by Ken Baugh. A respected pastor and Bible teacher, Dr. Wiersbe explores the compassionate life of Jesus. Filled with moving examples of Christ’s ministry to people of all backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs, this study will inspire you to share His love with the world around you.
   

Genres: Christian, Theology, Reference, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction, Spirituality, Religion

185 pages, Paperback

First published September 20, 1988

About the author

Warren W. Wiersbe, former pastor of the Moody Church and general director of Back to the Bible, has traveled widely as a Bible teacher and conference speaker. Because of his encouragement to those in ministry, Dr. Wiersbe is often referred to as 'the pastor's pastor.' He has ministered in churches and conferences throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Central and South America, and Europe. Dr. Wiersbe has written over 150 books, including the popular BE series of commentaries on every book of the Bible, which has sold more than four million copies. At the 2002 Christian Booksellers Convention, he was awarded the Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement Award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Dr. Wiersbe and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Reviews

[Karol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm working my way through the New Testament with commentaries written by Warren Wiersbe. So far, it has been an enlightening journey. Weirsbe's writing helps me to understand the Lord Jesus Christ more clearly, and challenges me to be my best self through faith.

[Mandy J. Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY REVIEW

Be Compassionate is a commentary that has the feel of a book. Yes, yes! I know all commentaries ARE books. But a "normal" commentary you don't sit down and read straight through. Well unless you are not "normal"! However, Wiersbe's updated "Be" series can be read through like you would do with most books.

Not only can you read this book chapter-by-chapter, but there are discussion questions at the end of each chapter for group or personal dialogue to help you connect with and digest what you just read.

I enjoyed Wiersbe's verse-by-verse commentary in a story like presentation. You are not reading a small tid-bit on each verse, but rather being pulled into the big picture while learning about each individual verse.

Wiersbe's Be Compassionate will make a great addition to the library of any person, young or old.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

The twenty-first century Christian faces unique and disturbing moral challenges that demand a great degree of Biblical wisdom and understanding in order to successfully defeat a tireless enemy. With greater and faster technology bombarding lives with an ever darkening array of moral depravity, it is essential that Christians be able to discern the enemy’s attack and answer God’s call to share truth and light both responsibly and dependably. Dr. Warren Wiersbe’s “Be” series is filled with the timeless truths of God’s Word, and his books will adequately equip today’s believers with the tools they need to reach a world in desperate need of an eternal hope.

David C Cook’s latest additions to the revised “Be” series include insightful introductions by Ken Bough, updated content for today’s readers, as well as new study questions for each chapter. Each of these expositional commentaries incorporate material from Dr. Wiersbe’s “Be” series into a small group Bible study format and focus on a specific book of the Bible. This effectively updated series of books incorporates topics as they were originally presented in the “Be” books.

Be Compassionate: Let the World Know That Jesus Cares uses the first thirteen chapters of Luke to explore the believer’s responsibility to tell the world that Jesus cares about them in a very personal way. (ISBN 978-1-4347-6502-4/softcover/185 pages/$12.99/July 2010)

* * * * *
This review copy was provided by The B&B Media group in connection with David C. Cook. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am reading through Luke during this Lent season. I decided that Wiersbe would be a helpful guide as I read devotionally through each chapter. I have read quite a number of Wiersbe's commentaries but this one is truly exceptional.

He brought such insight to many parts of Luke. I loved how he opened my eyes to how singular the centurion is in chapter 7. The centurion loved those who weren't esteemed, especially by other Romans. He loved the Jewish people so much that he built them a synagogue. It is surprising that the Jewish elders are falling all over themselves to get Jesus to help him. This is one of the few instances that the Jewish leaders like any Roman, and a soldier at that. Then this centurion loves his servant so much he seeks Jesus for healing. Then Jesus loves this man's faith so much he says there is nothing like it in Israel.

I really appreciate when Wiersbe pulls a whole chapter together in an amazing unit of thought. I easily focus on a single story or parable so I love it when he is able to back up and show how beautifully all the stories work together to tell a bigger story. He does this so well in Luke 12. He discusses three temptations his disciples could face as Jesus popularity grew. These could be hypocrisy (1-12), covetousness (13-21) and worry (22-34). (His treatment of worry is EXCELLENT). But then he goes on to say that best antidote for these three dangers is live in the "future tense", waiting for the Master to come, which Wiersbe shows in the next verses (35-59). I just never saw the connection between all of these separate stories and parables. The last chapter on chapter 13 was so powerful that I am eager to continue with the next book, Be Courageous, which will treat the rest of Luke.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"BE Compassionate" is a commentary on chapters 1-13 of Luke, but it's written more like a Bible study than a Bible reference book. As in, you could go to a certain chapter and verse reference and read the entry for more information, but the book was designed to be read from start to finish. The book was easy to understand and an enjoyable, quick read.

With one exception, each chapter in the book covered one chapter in Luke. The author pointed out the meanings of Greek words that don't fully translate into English and background historical information that helped to bring out the full impact of the verses. There were 9 to 11 questions at the end of each chapter. Some tested to see if you remembered/understood what the author had said, but others were discussion/reflection questions about how you could apply what you had just learned.

This study made me think, and I gained a lot of new insights from reading it. I didn't agree with a few of the author's conclusions, but I'm not claiming that they're wrong. I've just heard a different spin put on the events that seems to fit better, in my opinion. Overall, I'd highly recommend this book as a Bible study for those who want a deeper understanding of the Word.

I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a lot of detail and biblical references, as well as a historical context of many of the stories and events that took place in the Bible. That being said I think doing a 1-2 hour long bible study every week on each chapter of the book is too quick and doesn't allow a person to process the information quickly enough. It really takes a long time to get through each chapter if you're trying to get the most out of it; just to mediate and pray about it. That being said I'll probably be able to go through this book over and over again in the coming years so it's really an invaluable tool for any Christian seeking to develop a deeper understanding of scripture and the Bible through the theme of compassion.

[Christy Trever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be Compassionate by Warren W. Wiersbe is the Be book covering the first half of the Gospel of Luke. Wiersbe has written a fantastic series of commentaries about each book of the Bible. Each one focuses on a specific characteristic of Christianity. In the physician Luke's writing, Wiersbe finds a message of compassion and each chapter breaks down a chapter of the Gospel, often verse by verse with interesting insight into what Jesus was saying or doing. Wiersbe is always thoughtful and intelligent, and his writing is truly a joy for its breakthroughs in understanding. He makes the old stories come to life with fresh detail and new focus. This is a series to read again and again.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be Compassionate is an excellent guide for the book of Luke. It divides one chapter into multiple lessons fixated on detailing certain things going on in that chapter.


At the end of each chapter is a couple of questions. They are there to be answered individually or if this is used as a group study, together. This devotional reveals to the reader the depth in each word, character, and verse used in Luke. This is very enjoyable because it helps you understand what is going on even better.


The writing is smooth and easy-to-understand, not chock full of difficult words and confusing sentences. It's down-to-earth and all that is said is supported by verses from the New and Old Testament.

Be Compassionate covers Luke 1-13. This is not the entire book of Luke, but don't be alarmed. Be Courageous is a counterpart to Compassionate. Courageous covers Luke 14-24, so you'll need both of them to complete your in-depth study of Luke.


I enjoyed reading this guide. I learned a few things I hadn't noticed the first time I read Luke from just the Bible. To me it makes it easier to remember and has helped me to understand the certain going-ons that grace the Bible's pages. If you would like to get more out of your Bible reading then DR. Wiersebe's Be Compassionate is for you.

[Chris Willson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great easy commentary that I have used as my intro to studying Luke. Wiersbe walks the reader through the scripture very well but also just like a Southern Baptist pastor. There are ton of small examples and metaphors to help the reader grasp what the scripture is revealing. I did not like all of them but I understand that people who are not going to dive any deeper into these passages will take this and find it revealing and just easy to understand.

I have already ordered the next book with chapters 14-24 and excited to see what Wiersbe has in store.

[Clara Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of Wiersbe's study books and this is no different than all of the other books by him that I have read. Some nuggets found in this book are: "..the way people speak about Jesus Christ is evidence of what is in their hearts'" and "Jesus was moved by a divine compulsion to do the Father's will." "Resurrection is a picture of the way Jesus Christ saves lost sinners and raises them from spiritual death."

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the whole series of these by Wiersbe. They are easy to read in smaller doses, thought-provoking, and yet enjoyable.

[Margaret Chind]

*Thanks to TBBMedia Group for providing a copy for review through FIRST Wild Card.*

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great spiritual insights, thoughtfully written on Luke Chapters 1-13. A Must read.

[Jo-Marie Jo-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it! He really explains the gospel in great detail.

[Frans Kempe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good commentary of the first 13 chapters of Luke.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great guide through a book of the Bible. Wiersbe uses history, scriptures, and anecdotes to bring to life the meaning behind the stories in the gospel of Luke.

The story about George Wilson on ebook PG 238 was poignant. Wiersbe said that in 1830, George was convicted of mail theft and sentenced to be hung. President Andrew Jackson pardoned George, but George refused to accept the pardon. He died for his crime when he didn't have to. That's what people do with God. All have been pardoned but if they reject the pardon, then they die for their sins.

I especially liked Wiersbe's take on the Pharisees. Wiersbe said hypocrisy begins with fearing men instead of fearing God. He said that their problem was that they wouldn't repent and believe in the Messiah. Instead, they chose self-righteousness. They hid their sin behind appearances and religious traditions and behaviors. This is why our Lord called them hypocrites or actors and invited them to repent and find real righteousness in Him.

I also like Wiersbe's explanation of the parable of the sower and the soils. The wayside is a hard heart that can't receive God's word. It's so hard that Satan steals the word and the person doesn't believe. The rocky soil is a heart that receives God's word, but is too hard for roots to grow. The word withers and dies and produces no fruit. The thorns choke out the word so it can't thrive. But the good soil receives the word and is soft enough to grow and produce fruit or evidence of salvation and transformation by God's Spirit.

Wiersbe's discussion about the problems behind worry gave me a new understanding of the problem worrying causes. Wiersbe said that worry is destructive, deceptive and deformative. It's destructive because anxiety literally means to tear us apart. Worry strangles us in doubt or suspense and keeps us from being free. It's a thorn in our soil.

Worry is deceptive because it seems to help, when it's really a false view of a situation. Worry blinds us to reality, and blinds us to who God is, His love for us and His ability to care for us. When we choose to worry, we're not trusting God. Worry is lying to us about God and our situation.

Worry is deformative because it blocks growth. We're behaving like unbelievers instead of trusting God and growing in faith. Romans 8:32 says to trust God to meet our needs.

A very helpful guide through Luke chapters 1-13.

[Barbara Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the gospel bearing his name, Luke, “having followed all things closely for some time past,” undertakes “to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:3-4).

Luke is a doctor and very detailed in his account. He is also a Gentile, and he emphasizes the availability of the gospel to everyone.

Luke begins before Jesus’ birth with the prediction of John the Baptist’s birth. Luke progresses the angel’s announcement to Mary that she would bear the long-awaited Messiah, the well-known Christmas story, Jesus’ ministry and teaching, death, burial, resurrection and ascension.

Because the book of Luke is so full, Warren Wiersbe divided up his commentary on Luke into two books. The first is Be Compassionate (Luke 1-13): Let the World Know Jesus Cares.

Wiersbe says Luke’s “key message is, ‘For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost’ (Luke 19: 10). He presents Jesus Christ as the compassionate Son of Man, who came to live among sinners, love them, help them, and die for them” (p. 16).

I appreciate Dr. Wiersbe’s insights and commentary on the Scriptures.

[Sean Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warren Wiersbe is the man I would call the devotional commentator - he has written numerous of these Be commentaries and they are all like devotions, rich and simple, elegant and yet without any padding or over complex natures. Not for the technical minded, and not for research purposes, simply for a devotion, and for challenge and encouragement for life.
That's all you really need isn't it?
Roll on the second part of Luke.

[Ruthe Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Wiersbe makes the Bible come alive. Even well-known events, such as the birth of Jesus, become so much more vivid. Wiersbe also guides the reader through hard-to-understand passages and parables, using a writing style that can be understood. This is just one of 50 of the "Be" commentaries he wrote that cover the entire Bible. I have read several with great satisfaction.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is packed with insight and wonderful commentary on the first half of the book of Luke in the Bible. Very useful tool to help gain more understanding of Jesus’ life on earth. I highly recommend all the “Be” commentaries.

[Jan Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting

Wiersbe takes the Scripture and helps the average person understand what God is saying. He takes the reader deeper in his or her walk with the Lord.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 5 out of 5]

9/50 of be series. i read alphabetically.
i wish more books in the series like this, more detailed in explanation.

[Marcus Goncalves · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, the author has an amazing knowledge of the Bible, and this book, focused on Luke, is a well researched commentary. Very inspiring reading.

[R. Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

An excellent source for a Bible study. I highly recommend this and encourage youto use this commentary as your source for your Bible study.

[Carolee DeWitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

My life of reading God's Word has been enriched by reading this series!

[Sandy Young]

I've just started this book. I love to read Dr. Wiersbe's "Be" books along with my daily reading in The Daily Bible by John MacArthur. Because several people have commented on other books in this series, I'm copying the next to last paragraph in the Introduction to each book. The words are by Ken Baugh. The people that I'm talking about have been disappointed that the books aren't deeper, more philosophical. I like them just the way they are. Here's what Baugh has to say, and I love it:

"His unique style is not overly academic, but theologically sound. He explains the deep truths of Scripture in a way that everyone can understand and apply. Whether you’re a Bible scholar or a brand-new believer in Christ, you will benefit, as I have, from Wiersbe’s insights. With your Bible in one hand and Dr Wiersbe’s commentary in the other, you will be able to unpack the deep truths of God’s Word and learn how to apply them to your life."

Wiersbe's books are just what I need in my reading and study.