The compassion of the Lord is aligned to wisdom and justice and sincerity. In Genesis, Abraham's request does not go beyond 10 good men. But later in Jeremiah (5:1) God would pardon Jerusalem if only one just person could be found; the same is implied in Ezekiel (22:30). Then, in Isaiah 53, it is the suffering of the one Servant which will save the whole race. This was only understood in the person of Jesus Christ. We may find ourselves doing the very opposite of Abraham, that is, condemning a whole group because of a small number of misbehaving people. We do need more of Abraham's attitude of seeing as much good as possible in the world around us.

Following Jesus involves a radical commitment, but it does not mean that we act in ways that are inhumane or unreasonable. Compassion and sincerity are necessary. We learn that soon after Peter and Andrew had abandoned their boats and their nets to follow Jesus, we find Jesus in their house tending to their mother-in-law who had fallen sick (Mark 1:29-31). While there are many in the crowds who liked to join Jesus' school of discipleship, He knew there are two kinds of people: those in real need of teaching and healing, and those who are driven merely by a kind of curiosity for the unusual. Jesus desists the second kind; they represent a false interest in Him and His concerns.