Reverend Frank Graeff was a pastor in Philadelphia in the late 1800s. He had a radiant personality and an ever-present smile. Because of his cheerful outlook on life and simple faith, he was nicknamed, “The Sunshine Minister.” Although Reverend Graeff’s nickname indicated a life filled with joy, he also knew heartache and spiritual trials. At one point in his life, he struggled with deep depression. The man recognized by many for his cheerful countenance found himself crumbling under overwhelming burdens.
During this time of severe testing, he found comfort and encouragement in the familiar hymn, “What A Friend We Have in Jesus.” Reflecting on the words of that song led him to I Peter 5:7 in his Bible. There, he read: “Casting all your care upon him; for He cares for you.” God’s Word strengthened his heart, and Reverend Graeff was inspired to write his own song to proclaim the Lord’s care even in difficult times. The hymn “Does Jesus Care?” was the result. It resounds with assurance of Jesus’ sensitivity to our trials.
Here is the Altar of Praise Chorale to sing that song for us.
Praise God, Jesus is not callous or uncaring! His knowledge and understanding are infinite. He is sensitive to your needs and mine.
I’m sure that when Jesus walked on this earth, people raised that same question; “Does Jesus Care?” That’s the title for our study today from Mark 6:30-44. I urge you to listen carefully as I read our text.
Jesus’ PROVISIONS for the needs highlighted in our text show us that He really does care!
The First PROVISION that shows Jesus’ care is,
Rest for the Workers
Our text opens with the Twelve returning from their first missionary assignment without Jesus physically present with them. Naturally, they wanted to share all their experiences with Jesus. Jesus, as their teacher and mentor wanted to hear what they had done and taught.
After a time of strenuous ministry, Jesus knew the Twelve were tired and needed refreshment. They had experienced the discouragement of rejection and persecution as well as the joy of miraculous healing and seeing transformed lives. Their emotions may have been stretched to the limit. Adding to their fatigue was the sorrowful news of the death of John the Baptist. So, He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to some deserted place and rest awhile.” The literal meaning of Jesus’ words is “rest up.”
That wasn’t possible in their current location because the crowds of people with overwhelming needs were constantly coming and going. They were so busy they didn’t even have time to eat. So, Jesus invited them to join Him in a secluded place. They immediately and gratefully accepted His invitation and their boat sailed for an undisclosed destination.
The area Jesus chose for their retreat was around Bethsaida (Beth-sah-eeda). This town was built by Philip, the brother of Herod Antipas, and was on the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, outside the reach of Herod Antipas who had recently beheaded John the...
