Does Jesus Care?

Two particular texts in the Gospels provide jarring examples of the Lord’s actions being misinterpreted. Twice He was confronted with the question, “Don’t You care?” And of course the answer is He does care, infinitely.

1) About Our Salvation

When the disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee, a terrible storm arose. “But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?’” (Mk. 4:38).

In the context, this deals with physical danger. But it is possible to draw a parallel to the eternal peril of the soul. Does He care that we are perishing? Yes, He does. And Calvary shows it (Jn. 3:16).

2) About Our Service

When He was visiting in the home of Mary and Martha, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet to hear His word. On the other hand, “Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?’” (Lk. 10:40).

But the Lord commends Mary’s sense of priorities (vs. 41-42). Service for Christ is an important part of the Christian life. But so is fellowship with Him. Without prayer, and meditation on His Word, our service will soon become powerless and sterile.