Jesus' compassion, His deep feeling-with us, is possible because His life is guided not by human respect but only by the love of His heavenly Father. Indeed, Jesus is free to love us because He is not dependent on our love.
For further reflection...
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to them, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." - Matthew 9:36-38 (NIV)
This devotional was written by Henri Nouwen. For his website, go to: www.henrinouwen.org