Does Jesus Care?

The following article is adapted from the eulogy given at the funeral of Joseph Vann Wangler on January 15, 2026.

Does Jesus Care? This is the title of a popular hymn we sing. It also represents one of many questions that come to mind when one experiences a sudden loss and difficulty in life. The hymn asks several questions…

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

Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
And as the daylight fades
Into deep dark shades
Does He care enough to be near?

Does Jesus care when for my deep grief
There can be found no relief.
Though the tears flow all the day long

Does Jesus care when I’ve said, “Goodbye”
To the dearest on earth to me
And my sad heart aches
Till it nearly breaks
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

Peter reveals this is a divine aspect of God’s nature. “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7).

Since the height and depth of God’s care for us is so great several metaphors are employed to help explain the manner of His care. God Cares for us…

• As an eagle bearing an eaglet up with its wings
• As a loving mother comforting a child
• As a father pitying a sin
• As a shepherd seeking a little lost lamb

God demonstrates His care by…

• Counting the steps of our feet and the number of hairs upon our head
• Bottling the tears from our eyes
• Writing down the thoughts of our hearts
• Holding our hand

The prophet Isaiah wrote, “For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, `Fear not, I will help you.’” (Is. 43:13). This fact gave the Psalmist great comfort, “Nevertheless I am continually with You; you hold me by my right hand.” (Ps. 73:23). The right hand represented a place of privilege and importance.

Consider the words of the hymn “Jesus, Hold My Hand”:
As I travel thru this pilgrim land
There is a Friend who walks with me,
Leads me safely thru the sinking sand,
It is the Christ of Calvary;
This would be my prayer, dear Lord, each day
To help me do the best I can,
For I need Thy light to guide me day and night,
Blessed Jesus, hold my hand.

The life of Jesus showed He cared. In Luke chapter seven Jesus “went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd. And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother.”

Yes, Jesus cares. He cared for a widow who lost her only son.

A man named Jairus came to Jesus and “fell at His feet and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” A man came to Jairus with bad news, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” But Jesus came to the house He said, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.” Then to girl the commanded, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.”

Yes, Jesus cares. He cared for a father’s pain and loss.

When Jesus heard that His friend Lazarus was sick and dying, He and His disciples headed for Bethany. When Jesus saw Mary, the sister of Lazarus “weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled.” Jesus had already said He would raise Lazarus from the dead. Next, we come to the shortest verse in the Bible in John 11:35. “Jesus wept.” After Lazarus had been in the tomb four days Jesus commanded him to come forth. Jesus had already told Lazarus’ other sister, Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life.” (11:25).

Yes, Jesus cares. He cared enough to weep over the death of Lazarus with Mary and Martha and raise up a brother for two sisters.

Jesus cared enough to leave Heaven. To come to earth as a man. To suffer trials, temptations and persecution and finally death on the cross. He did this to conquer death once and for all through His resurrection.

The chorus of the Hymn “Does Jesus Care?” answers with a resounding…

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares
His heart is touched with my grief
When the days are weary
The long night dreary
I know my Savior cares

Finally, “When I Survey The Wondrous Cross” I know He cares.

by Daniel R. Vess