Sunday, August 23, 2009

Does Jesus Care?

HOW DO WE KNOW JESUS CARES?
Luke 4:38-44

We sing a song at church entitled, "Does Jesus Care." A couple of stanzas are:

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained, Too deeply for mirth and song; as the burdens press, and the cares distress, And the way grows weary and long?

Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed, To resist some temptation strong? When for my deep grief I find no relief, Tho my tears flow all the night long?

Chorus: Oh yes he cares; I know he cares, His heart is touched with my grief; When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares.

That song was written in 1901 and it is a classic.


How do we Know if Someone Cares?

We still ask today, "Does Jesus care? Does he know my pain and suffering? Does it matter to him? And how do we know if Jesus cares?

There are 4 ways I know someone cares for me.

One, when they are friendly to me. It can be a simple greeting or handshake, perhaps asking, "how are you today," that demonstrates friendship and care.

Two, when they are not condescending. Have you noticed how some people have a knack for communicating, "You’re dumb" or "You’re not worth my effort"? It may be how they don’t look at you when shaking your hand, or how they ignore your greeting, or scoff at an idea. Even if that person is shaking my hand or saying "Hello," it is hard be believe they care.

Three, when they respect me. That means they honor my needs, desires, or opinions. They might not agree with them, but they don’t ridicule me because of them, either. Or, they don’t try to sell me on their idea without first giving due recognition to what I think. Respect communicates care.

Four, when they are willing to help. When someone helps, especially with a joyous spirit or disposition, it communicates so clearly that they care.

These attitudes and behaviors communicate care. If someone does them for me I know they care, and if I do them for someone else they can know that I care. Simple acts that communicate clearly, "You matter to me."


Does Jesus Care?

I think we can know that Jesus cares by the same methods we judge each other by. Look at the story of Jesus in Luke 4:38-44 and notice how he treats people he meets.

One, he is friendly and not condescending. Jesus was in the home of Peter’s mother-in-law visiting. The Son of God could have chosen to dine and visit wherever he wanted! He chose common people to fellowship with.

Two, he listened when they explained to him that Peter’s mother-in-law was sick. Even with all of his ministry work Jesus wasn’t too busy to hear of another need.

Three, he respected the needs of others. The mother-in-law, but even more. Once the word got out where Jesus was the house he was staying in was deluged with more needy people (vs.40-41). The sick and demon possessed came for help, and Jesus respected their needs.

Four, he helped. He was able to help by providing healing. He even rebuked the evil spirits. (v.41)

One reason people followed Jesus is that he was able to do great things. But another reason is that he was simply a caring person. People are attracted to those who care. And I hope that knowing Jesus cares will attract you to him.

I have a number of friends right now who are suffering. Some have lost a grandparent. Some have lost a parent. Some have children who are ill. Some are out of jobs. All are hurting. One thing I hope they all understand: Jesus cares.

What does knowing Jesus cares mean for your life?

Warren Baldwin
Aug 23, 2009

10 comments:

  1. The fact that He cares even when I have failed again is the most awesome thing to me. He forgives, restores, and even blesses me when I repent and start walking in the right way: SIMPLY AMAZING!

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  2. Thank you Warren for tying together so beautifully the human and divine evidences of caring.

    Knowing that Jesus cares gives me extreme groundedness. No matter what comes my way, I intuitively know that not only does He care but He is praying for my victory/release/relief/resolve!

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  3. Yes! He does care even about little ole' me!!! It is so relieving to know Jesus cares about me regardless of my imperfections!

    Thank you for your encouragement on my latest post. I have been getting some criticism because of it and your words were very encouraging. Thank you again.

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  4. It means that I am at peace. It means that no matter what happens, He is in control. It means if I make a bad decision or a good decision, He is standing behind me, loving me all the same. And it means that He never ever lets go.

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  5. First time to blog - what a great post! Your four points were right on - loved it.

    He does care truly for our souls every minute of every day. And it is a great blessing to truly know this in your heart.

    Rachel

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  6. I've been in places where my heart found no songs to sing. And though some of those pains didn't leave quickly, the Spirit whom searches deeply for the things of God, was continually massaging my heart and I knew without a doubt that Jesus cared.

    Thank you.

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  7. Warren, I just left a comment and I don't think it posted so I'm trying again. I just saw your comment on Robin's blog. I want to encourage you to write for Spiritual Sundays. You have a lot to offer and it would bless many. I think I am the only male writing each week. We need you brother. Have a great Lord's Day tomorrow.

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  8. Spiritual Sundays is a place where bloggers join together to post spiritual/inspirational thoughts. There is usually 30 to 35 posts. You can find instructions in the "Welcome" posted each week. However, you probably don't need instructions. Just post on your blog then link it on Spiritual Sundays. I hope you will participate. Check it out http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/ Let me know if you need any more information. Blessings.

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  9. Hello Warren,

    Knowing that Jesus cares means everything to me. people can sometimes let us down but Jesus always picks us up.. I love Him soo.. and i just don't know what i would do without Him in my life. He is my greatest comfort and Joy... To know that He cares definitely attracts me to Him.. and thanks Warren for the reminders of what it means to be like Jesus :)

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  10. It was your reference to the gospel song "Does Jesus Care?" that caught my eye this morning. You also make some excellent points on the subject.

    And if you enjoy learning about hymn writers and their hymns, I invite you to check out my daily blog on the subject, Wordwide Hymns.

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