Don't You Care?

June 2

Read: Mark 4:35-41

Don’t You Care?

“Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” (v.38)

Isn’t this one of the core questions we must answer for ourselves: Jesus, do you not care that we are perishing… that we are hurting… that we are in danger. The resounding answer from the scriptures is YES - JESUS DOES CARE.

I cannot answer exactly how he is going to work in every situation, but the fact that he will work remains true. If nowhere else, look at the beginning of this gospel that we have been reading. The demon possessed come to Jesus as seek help - they are functionally asking “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” Jesus casts out those demons. The sick come to Jesus seeking healing, they are declaring “Jesus, don’t you care that we are sick?” He answers “yes, very much so” by healing them. The disciples on the boat ask the same question, and Jesus awakes to calm the storm. Jesus came from heaven to earth to usher in a Kingdom that brought restoration to those who were perishing otherwise. If in not other way, Jesus has shown us that yes, indeed, he cares deeply about us - his children.

Much ink has been spilt on this story… The irony of Jesus asleep in a storm and the supernatural calm that comes from God the Father… the need for faith that Jesus would rescue, trusting that the teacher did indeed care… the authority of Jesus over the natural elements. All of this is worthwhile and true. These straightforward messages have become too familiar for some, and discarded by others. We need to be reminded of them all. God controls the weather. Relationship with God the Father yields a supernatural calm… a sleep in the storm calm… a “peace that surpasses understanding”. (cf. Phil 4:7) And maybe most importantly, Jesus does indeed care for his flock… his brothers and sisters… his disciples / students as they are framed here. The enemy will try to convince he has forgotten you… that God is asleep at the wheel… that your pain does not matter. Some pastors will actually preach the same thing… making Christianity out to be a life-long storm that is only escaped when the boat crashes (you die). This is simply not true.

Jesus asks a pair of powerful questions in response to the disciples: “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” The first semi silly… isn’t it obvious why they are afraid!?! It is a massive storm and the boat is taking on water. Their question reveals the true heart of the matter. They are afraid of dying… of “perishing”. Hebrews 2:14,15 says this: “ (Jesus) himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.” Apart from Jesus we are lifelong slaves to the fear of dying. Jesus sets us free from this. Jesus is introducing this idea to the disciples here. They are afraid of dying, but they need not be afraid of death anymore, because Jesus was about to set them free… and he HAS SET US FREE. We need not fear death.

The second question is “Have you still no faith?” It is a fair question. Jesus expects that faith will grow in his disciples as they watch him work. Faith is the “assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things unseen.” (cf. Heb. 11:1) Jesus is slowly transforming what it is that his followers long for… what they HOPE for. Our hope is not as much rooted in the “rescue” as it is the “resurrection”. We need not fear death because we will rise again like Jesus. This is what we need to be reminded of when we ask the question, “Jesus, don’t you care?” The beauty is that Jesus is willing to BOTH rescue and resurrect!

It is a simple question to ask: what is your “storm” right now? Is your boat taking on water? What questions are you asking of Jesus? Is the enemy causing you to doubt? Fight hard to remind yourself that Jesus DOES care… and the truth is that even though our bodies and this world ARE perishing … WE ARE NOT. Our truest identities are rooted deep within in us and are becoming more and more alive each day. Seek Jesus in the storm. Trust that he will work. Give thanks for the “rescue”… but place your greatest hope in the resurrection! Love you guys… we will talk about demons next! - JDP

* I will be traveling off grid with another local pastor and a close friend for the next three days. We appreciate any prayers you might send our way. We are hopeful for a sweet time of fellowship and encouragement… I have not forgotten about you all though. I look forward to sending out Devos to you Sunday. Godspeed. - Josh