“Jesus Groaned Within Himself”

Joseph F. McConkie, Robert L. Millet

The Savior’s compassion and love for the people, as evidenced by his healing of the sick, also produced a feeling within him much different than the joy previously seen.

In direct contrast to the spiritual blessings that were being poured out upon the righteous, Jesus compassion was turned to the wicked of the house of Israel who would know no such joy and blessings (compare 3 Nephi 10:1-11), Jesus’ spiritual groaning and the troubling feelings he demonstrated in prayer to his Father are as much an evidence of his divine concern and compassion as is the account of his healing and blessing the righteous.

This godly concern for both the righteous and the wicked help us to see in him a merciful, loving God who “inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile” (2 Nephi 26:33).

Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 4

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