Two of the most telling questions in the New Testament were asked of Jesus by people who loved Him deeply. When a fierce storm threatened to sink their boat in the Sea of Galilee, His disciples asked, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" (Mk. 4:38). On another occasion, as a relaxed Mary listened to Jesus, a tense Martha came from the kitchen and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?" (Lk. 10:40).

Both questions were asked by people who had seen the power of Jesus and expected Him to step in and relieve their anxiety. When it seemed that the Lord was ignoring their situation, an element of exasperation was added: "Don't You care?"

The Scripture does not give us the tone of Jesus' voice, but I suspect that His replies were gentle and caring. "Why are you so fearful?" (Mk. 4:40). "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things" (Lk. 10:41).

When we're feeling alone or overwhelmed by our circumstances, we often cry out, "Lord, don't You care?" But when Jesus calms our storm and speaks our name, we realize that we have much more to learn about His compassion for us, and we long to trust Him with all of our cares.  — David C. McCasland