When the disciples were in the storm recorded in Mark 4:35-41, they asked Jesus a question. “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” [vs 38 HCSB]
A violent storm had risen on the Sea of Galilee. That was not a rare occasion, the fishermen on this boat would have experienced many storms on this sea. This one, however, must have been especially bad as the disciples were sure the boat was about to capsize. So, they woke Jesus who was asleep in the back of the boat on a cushion.
“Don’t you care” they asked Him. What they were really saying was, “if you really cared about us, we would not be going through this storm.”
Ah, how many times have I thought that! And I know lots of others who have come to me with doubts thinking the same thing. I love the LORD. I try to be obedient to what He asks of me. Yet, bad things happen. That is so common a thought that books have been written to try to explain why bad things, storms of life, invade the lives of God’s children.
I find it very interesting that Jesus did not answer the disciples’ question. He did not remind them how much He cared for them. He did not explain why they were in the storm. Jesus simply quieted the wind and waves leaving a terrifying calm, then asked them a question.
“Why are you fearful? Do you still have no faith?” [4:40 HCSB]
Jesus displayed His power to His disciples, power over the creation He brought into existence. And by His actions both in the storm and later on the cross, Jesus displayed to His own just how much He cares.
Peter, one of the fishermen in that boat that day would later write, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.” [1 Peter 5:6-7 HCSB]
