1. According to 2 Peter 3:18, growing in the knowledge of Christ is an important responsibility. 2. Jesus revealed the key to achieving this growth in John 5:39 when He said: "Search the Scriptures." 3. In Mark 4:35-41 the Scriptures reveal some important information about the Lord. 4. We are especially interested in the question that the disciples asked Jesus in vs.38: "Master, carest thou not that we perish?" 5. In our lesson we are answering the question: "Does Jesus care?" 6. The first thing we need to do is determine . . .
Discussion:
I. WHY THE DISCIPLES ASKED JESUS IF HE CARED FOR THEM
A. The situation: 1. (Mark 4:1-2a) Jesus had been teaching by the Sea of Galilee. 2. According to vs.35, in the evening Jesus wanted to go to the other side. 3. As they sailed across the sea, a violent storm arose. 4. The ship Jesus was in filled with water, but He was asleep. 5. The disciples thought their lives were in danger, so they woke Jesus up and asked Him if He cared that they were about to die. B. Let us make several observations. 1. When the storm arose, Jesus was in the presence of His disciples. a. Even though Jesus was with His disciples, they apparently were not convinced that He cared for them. b. They may have thought that Jesus did not care for them because He did not prevent this storm from occurring. c. Jesus did care for them, and He took care of the situation. 2. The Bible clearly shows that the Lord is always with His followers (Matthew 28:19-20). 3. The fact that the Lord is always present does not mean that we will never face any storms. 4. We need to know that Jesus cares for His followers, even when storms arise.
II. THE SCRIPTURES EXPLAIN WHY JESUS IS CAPABLE OF CARING
A. We understand that Jesus came to earth in the flesh (John 1:14; Galatians 4:4). B. Jesus came in the flesh so He could empathize with us (Hebrews 2:16-18; 4:15). C. Jesus is capable of caring because He came in the flesh and faced the same trials we face.
III. DURING HIS MINISTRY JESUS OFTEN SHOWED HOW MUCH HE CARED FOR PEOPLE BY DEMONSTRATING HIS "COMPASSION"
A. (Matthew 9:35-36) Jesus "was moved with compassion" when He observed people with spiritual needs. B. (Matthew 14:13-14) He "was moved with compassion" and healed sick people. C. (Matthew 15:32-38) His compassion moved Him to feed the 4,000. D. (Mark 1:40-42) His compassion moved Him to heal a leper. E. (Luke 7:12-15) His compassion moved Him to raise the widow's son.
Conclusion:
1. In addition to always being present, Jesus cares for His followers. 2. Let us follow the instructions given in 1 Peter 5:6-7; 3:8-12.
