We would never accuse Jesus of not caring about us in this or that situation, would we? Well, at least, we probably wouldn’t say it out loud.
There are two situations I found in the Bible where folks specifically accused Jesus of not caring. We’ll look at one this week.
In Mark 4:35-41, we see an account of Jesus going across the Sea of Galilee in a boat with his disciples, when a great windstorm came up. Even though the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling, Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. Clearly, the disciples were freaking out, so to speak. They thought they were going to die! At this point, there was a breakdown in their faith and logic, or more specifically, their understanding of who Jesus is. They were well aware that Jesus had healed Peter’s mother-in-law, the man with a withered hand, the centurion’s servant, the demoniac, that He had changed water to wine, and that He had even raised the widow’s son from the dead. At that moment, they seemed to have forgotten all that they had seen. Did they think that they would drown with the Son of God, the Creator of the universe? They erred greatly by making a terrible accusation against Jesus: And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
The story continues: Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”
Let’s ask the Lord to help us to not forget all He has done for us, to trust Him always instead of fearing the various circumstances around us, and to stay close to Him (there is no safer place). Finally, may we NEVER slap His face, as it were, by accusing Him of not caring for us. He came and died for us. He loves and cares for us more than anyone else ever has or will! . . . casting all your care upon Him, for HE CARES FOR YOU. (I Peter 5:7)
Here is a great song that goes along with this story. It is by Frank E. Graeff and is entitled “Does Jesus Care?”
Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long?
Refrain:
Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?
Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief there is no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long?
Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye”
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks—
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Keith Neds