Key Verse: A great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. He was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher! Don’t you care that we’re going to die?” (Mark 4:37-38 CSB)
Nobody likes someone who is sleeping on the job. This is part of the reason why the disciples were so upset at Jesus.
After a busy day of ministry, Jesus had instructed His disciples to get into a boat so they could escape the crowds and head to the other side of the sea. The problem was that as they headed across the sea, “a great windstorm arose.” No doubt, this wasn’t the first storm the disciples had encountered on the water. But in this case, “the waves were breaking over the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped” (v.37). This was a dire situation that was quickly heading for a complete disaster.
Yet, where was Jesus? Instead of trying to bail out the boat like the rest of them, “He was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion” (v.38). Seriously? In a moment of crisis, Jesus was in the back of the boat taking a nap.
So what did the disciples do? They did what any of us would do in the moment. They woke him up. Jesus responded by getting up, and commanding the wind and the sea to be silent and still. Incredibly, with a simple word from Jesus, “the wind ceased, and there was a great calm” (v.39). The disciples were terrified. This man Jesus who they had been following even had the power to control the wind and the sea. It was amazing!
Interestingly, one of the questions that the disciples asked Jesus in this situation was, “Teacher! Don’t you care that we’re going to die?” (v.38). It seems like a fair question to ask given the circumstances, doesn’t it?
Like the disciples, there may be times when we are tempted to ask the same question and wonder whether or not Jesus really cares for us. Particularly when the “storms” of life hit in whatever form, we can start to doubt God’s love “If God really cares for me,” we ask, “then why is He allowing this to happen?” Have you ever asked that question?
What does faith look like in these moments? It begins with reminding ourselves of and clinging to the truth that God has revealed to us about His love. God’s love for us is everlasting (Jeremiah 31:3). Nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). So our difficult or painful circumstances are not a reflection of God’s lack of care or concern for us. He has already proven the greatness of His love by sending His Son Jesus Christ to the Cross to die for us (Romans 5:8).
The truth is that, even when you are feeling like the waves and the winds of life are pummelling you, God has not changed. He is still the same God of love that He was yesterday and will be for all eternity. He loves and cares for you far more than you could even comprehend.
So today, if you are wondering, like the disciples, whether or not Jesus really cares for you, turn to Him. Remember what He has done for you. Invite Him to help you trust Him today.
Prayer: God, thank you again for your everlasting love for me. You love and care for me far beyond what I can even comprehend. You have proven your love for me through the Cross of Jesus Christ. When I’m tempted to doubt your love, remind me again by your Spirit of who you are. Fill me with faith today, I pray. Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
