Introduction: 1. Today our lesson is based on the question that the Lord's disciples asked Him in Mark 4:38: "Master, carest thou not that we perish?" 2. The disciples wanted to know if Jesus was concerned about the difficult situation they were facing. 3. We need to study these passages carefully because we may need the same assurance when we find ourselves facing similar circumstances. 4. The first thing we need to do is determine . . .
Discussion:
I. WHY THE DISCIPLES ASKED JESUS IF HE CARED ABOUT WHAT WAS HAPPENING TO THEM
A. This requires us to look at 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. We learn from vs.36-37 that a storm arose as they sailed across the sea. 4. The ship Jesus was in filled with water, but He was asleep (vs.38a). 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 (vs.38b). B. Let us make several observations. 1. When the storm arose, Jesus was with His disciples. 2. Even though Jesus was with His disciples, they apparently were not convinced that He cared for them. 3. They may have thought that Jesus did not care for them because He did not prevent this storm from occurring. 4. The Bible clearly shows that the Lord is always present (Hebrews 13:5b). 5. The fact that the Lord is always with His followers does not mean that we will never face any storms.
II. JESUS SHOWED HIS DISCIPLES THAT HE CARED FOR THEM
A. (vs.39) He first showed that He cared by causing the wind to cease. B. (vs.40) He also showed that He cared by getting the disciples to examine their fear and lack of faith. C. (vs.41) The Lord's power made quite an impression on the disciples.
III. APPLICATION
A. Occasionally, we need to be reminded of the lesson that Jesus taught the disciples -- we need to be assured that the Lord still cares for His followers. B. The Lord has shown that He cares for us by: 1. leaving the glory of heaven to come to earth as a man (Philippians 2:5-7) 2. dying on the cross on our behalf (Philippians 2:8; Hebrews 5:7-8) 3. going to prepare a special place (John 14:1-3). C. The Lord continues to show that He cares for us by: 1. inviting us to come to Him for rest (Matthew 11:28-30) 2. interceding on our behalf (Romans 8:34) 3. serving as our mediator (1 Timothy 2:5-6) 4. serving as our High Priest (Hebrews 8:1-2).
Conclusion:
1. The disciples wanted to know if Jesus cared for them when they were facing a difficult situation. 2. Jesus cared for them, and He still cares for His followers today. 3. Let us follow the instructions given in 1 Peter 5:6-7.
