Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Mark 4:38

I don’t know about you, but this question seems kind of insulting to me. Have you ever been woken up from a nap in an abrupt sort of way like this? I have and I’m usually either a bit groggy or sometimes can even be annoyed (oops, just being honest). But not only did they wake Jesus up like that, they followed it basically with an insult. ‘Don’t you even care about us, Jesus?’ That was the same type of thing that Martha said to Jesus when she was annoyed with her sister for not helping her carry out her dinner plans for Jesus. “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?” (Luke 10:41) Have you ever felt that way before? I know I have (even though I don’t have the right to that attitude).

But when I back up and get a little more perspective, I’m reminded that Jesus humbly came into the world that He had created perfectly, and found that we had not only broken it, but had earned God’s righteous and eternal punishment, too. Jesus came with the sole purpose of dying as a perfect substitute for us, taking a punishment on himself that we deserved, and offering us peace with God and eternal life instead… but does anyone still have the nerve to ask, “Don’t you care about me?” Ouch!

Jesus often seemed to overlook these insults (and there were many more recorded in the gospels) and even offered wise or compassionate words (or actions) in exchange. This reminds of several Proverbs that Jesus likely knew and often lived out. “A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted… Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.” (Pr. 12:16, 18)

So this week, remember that God really does care for you and sent His son to take your place, and that we can (and should) follow Jesus’ example in staying calm and overlooking insults that come our way.

Have a great week and God bless you!

United for His glory,

–Rich

Announcements for this Week:

• Man Up! – This Wednesday night at 6:30pm we’ll be meeting at Drew’s house for pizza, a discussion on growing more like Jesus in our lives (and homes), and praying for one another. I hope you can make it!
• Sunday morning (9am Coffee, 9:15 Worship) – We are going to be wrapping up our “About Us” series by looking at some verses on commitment to the body of Christ and membership to a neighborhood (or local) church! Sure hope you can make it.