“Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’”
Mark 4:38
After a busy day, Jesus and the disciples got into a boat and headed for the other side of the sea. Soon the lapping of gentle waves lulled a weary Jesus to sleep. When a storm suddenly arose, the disciples grew frightened and frustrated that Jesus, who surely could have helped, was still sleeping. They shouted to Him, woke Him, and then accused Him of not caring.
Amazing! The disciples had seen Jesus’ miracles, had heard His teachings, and had left everything back home to follow Him. Yet they dared to ask if He cared about them. What got into them?
The same thing that gets into us! No matter how close we are to Jesus, fear can overwhelm us and make us wonder if Jesus cares. Reflect on the storms in your life. Have you prayed and felt that nothing happened? Did you wonder, even for a moment, “Is Jesus concerned at all?” Remember the words of this hymn: “O 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” (Frank Graeff, 1901).
Amazing! The disciples had seen Jesus’ miracles, had heard His teachings, and had left everything back home to follow Him. Yet they dared to ask if He cared about them. What got into them?
The same thing that gets into us! No matter how close we are to Jesus, fear can overwhelm us and make us wonder if Jesus cares. Reflect on the storms in your life. Have you prayed and felt that nothing happened? Did you wonder, even for a moment, “Is Jesus concerned at all?” Remember the words of this hymn: “O 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” (Frank Graeff, 1901).
Scripture Focus
Mark 4:35-41
Insight
Storms come even to those closest to Jesus. But He gives these amazing words: “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).
Bible In A Year
- Genesis 16-17
- Psalm 8
- Matthew 13