Does God Really Care? | Jentezen Franklin

Sunday, March 9

Scriptures

John 6:5-6, Matthew 25:12, Luke 13:27, Job 42:10, Acts 9:6

Introduction

“When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.” John 6:5-6 NIV

Throughout life, we face challenges that leave us questioning how we will overcome them. In John 6, Jesus asks Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" But the Scripture clarifies that Jesus already knew what He was going to do. This reminds us that even in the unknown, God always has a plan. He is never caught off guard, never unsure, and never without a solution.

Today, we will explore God's omniscience—His all-knowing nature—and how He demonstrates this in our lives. We will discuss how Jesus exemplified this attribute, how God knows us personally, the warning of not being known by Him, and the importance of trusting Him, even when we don’t understand.

Have you ever experienced a situation where you didn’t know what to do, but later saw that God had a plan all along?

Why do you think Jesus tested Philip by asking where to buy bread, even though He already knew what He would do?

How does knowing that God sees the bigger picture give you peace during difficult times?

In what ways can we remind ourselves to trust God even when we don’t understand His plan?

God’s Omniscience: He Knows Everything

God’s omniscience assures us that He fully knows everything about our lives and daily struggles.

Jesus knew all men and their hearts, showing His deep, personal insight into human nature:

John 2:24-25 reveals “But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew all about people. No one needed to tell him about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart.” (NLT paraphrase)

Jesus’ words in John 10:14 and 27—"I know My sheep, and they hear My voice"—highlight God’s personal connection with us. His knowledge is not just awareness but relational, bringing comfort in our struggles. He sees our pain, understands our fears, and invites us to trust Him fully.

However, God's omniscience also carries a warning:

In Luke 13:27 Jesus says, "But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’" (NIV)

In Matthew 25:12 and Luke 13:27, Jesus declares to some, “I do not know you,” emphasizing that a genuine relationship with Him is essential. Merely existing in His knowledge is not enough; we must respond in faith and seek a true relationship with Him.

Ultimately, God’s omniscience is both an assurance and a call. He knows us completely and loves us deeply, urging us to draw closer to Him, trust in His wisdom, and cultivate a lasting relationship with our all-knowing God.

How does knowing that Jesus fully understands your thoughts, struggles, and needs impact your faith and trust in Him?

In what ways can you deepen your relationship with Christ so that you are not only known by Him but also actively following His voice (John 10:14, 27)?

Jesus warns that some will hear, “I do not know you” (Matthew 25:12, Luke 13:27). What steps can you take to ensure your relationship with Him is genuine and not just surface-level? What would be your advice to someone who feels their relationship with God has become surface-level?

Jesus Christ: Our Creator, Redeemer, and King

Colossians 1:15-17 (NIV)

“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, existed before creation, is the Creator of the universe and is supreme over all creation. As the image of the invisible God, He is sovereign over all things, unshaken by time or circumstances. He knows our trials and desires for us to return to Him in love and repentance.

From the foundation of the world, Christ knew redemption was necessary. Revelation 13:8 tells us He is “the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.” Living a sinless life, He became the perfect sacrifice, willingly bearing the wrath of God for our salvation. He is both the Lion, who fiercely fights for us, and the Lamb, who gently calls all to Himself.

His love didn’t end at the cross—He continues to intercede for us (Romans 8:27-28), working all things together for good according to His purpose. His goal is to glorify God and save as many as will follow Him. As believers, we are called to trust Him fully, knowing He will never forsake us. He leads us to glorify Him, which in turn blesses us.

The text highlights Jesus as both the "Lion" who fights for us and the "Lamb" who was slain for our redemption. How do these dual roles of strength and sacrifice deepen our understanding of His love and purpose for us?

Have you experienced a time when God worked things for good in your life?

God’s Sovereign Plan

Throughout the Bible, it's clear that God was never surprised by anything—He always had a plan. Even in tough times, like when people suffer, get betrayed, or face challenges, God is still working behind the scenes, bringing everything together for something bigger and better.

A. Job – Job lost everything in a single day—his ten children, wealth, and health—while facing accusations from friends and despair from his wife. Yet God knew He would restore Job, blessing him with double and 140 more years of life (Job 42:10). Job’s response teaches us to praise through pain: “The Lord gives, the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).

Job praised God despite losing everything, saying, “The Lord gives, the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). How can we cultivate a heart that praises God through our own pain and losses, trusting in His promise of restoration like He did for Job?

B. Joseph – Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and falsely imprisoned for 13 years (Genesis 37:28), Joseph endured great hardship. But God knew He would raise Joseph to a position of power, using him to save an entire nation. As Pastor Jentezen Franklin says, “When you get mad at flesh and blood, you forfeit your blessing—vengeance is Mine, says the Lord.”

Joseph faced betrayal and hardship for 13 years, yet God used it to position him to save a nation. How can we resist the urge to seek vengeance against those who wrong us, as Pastor Jentezen Franklin suggests, and instead trust God’s plan to turn our trials into blessings?

Like Joseph, have you ever faced betrayal or hardship that later revealed God’s greater purpose? How can you use that experience to strengthen your faith?

C. Abraham and Isaac – On Mount Moriah, Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac, and Isaac submitted in obedience. Yet, God stopped the knife, proving that He tests our faith to see if we will trust Him fully (Genesis 22).

In what areas of our lives might God be testing our faith today, and how can we respond with similar trust and submission?

D. Stephen and Saul – Saul, who approved Stephen’s stoning in Acts 7:60, encountered Jesus on the Damascus road (Acts 9:1-9). God knew that Saul would become Paul, a man who would write half the New Testament and spread the gospel to the world.

How does this story encourage us to see God’s greater purpose in our suffering or in the actions of those who oppose us?

Even when circumstances seem dire, God already knows what He will do. Our role is to trust Him, knowing He is always in control.

Application

When life feels uncertain, it's easy to start worrying and thinking, “I don’t know what to do.” But God doesn’t worry—He already knows the plans He has for us (Jeremiah 29:11). Our job is to trust Him, even when we can’t see what’s coming. Instead of letting fear take over, we can choose to respond with faith—praising Him in every season (Psalm 118:24), staying obedient, and not giving up. Even in tough times, we keep serving, trusting, and believing that His plan is unfolding. As Galatians 6:9 says, if we hang in there, we’ll see the fruit of it in time.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

What do you practically do to shift your focus from worry to trust in God’s plan, especially when you can’t see what’s ahead?

Galatians 6:9 promises a harvest if we don’t grow weary in doing good. How have you seen perseverance pay off in your own life or in the lives of others, and how can that encourage us to keep trusting God’s timing?

Conclusion

Be Encouraged: No matter the difficulty, confidence in God changes everything. He sees the end from the beginning and knows exactly how to guide us through every challenge.

Response Prayer: For those in the group facing trials, pray this together: “Lord, I trust You with my children, my family, my finances, and my future. Even when I don’t understand, I believe You know what You’re doing.”

Salvation Call: If you feel distant from God or have struggled with bitterness, remember that He desires to know you. The greatest tragedy would be to hear Him say, "I never knew you." Take this moment to pray: “Jesus, cleanse me, I trust You, and I give You my life.”

What does it mean to truly trust God with every area of your life?

How can we support one another in remaining faithful when we don’t understand God’s plan?

What are some practical ways to remind ourselves that God always knows what He’s doing?

How does knowing that Jesus is our Good Shepherd (John 10:14) impact our relationship with Him?

As we close, let’s hold onto the truth that no matter what we face, God is in control. He knows what He’s doing. Trust Him, and rest in His perfect plan.

Resources

Youtube

Spotify

All Group Guides