Laser-Focused on Jesus

In the gospel of Matthew, chapter 14, an amazing event in the life of Jesus and the disciples is described. In this event, we see the importance of being laser-focused on Jesus, keeping our attention on Him in the midst of distractions.

The disciples are sent by Jesus across the Sea of Galilee on a nighttime journey. As they sail across the lake, the strong waves begin to beat against the boat. Some of the disciples were seasoned fishermen who had spent many hours on this lake, but they were unable to get to the other shore because the wind and waves were against them. Miraculously, Jesus came toward their boat walking on the water. When the disciples saw Him in the distance, they were understandably afraid. They had never seen a man walking on the water before! But Jesus was no ordinary man.

One of the disciples, Peter, spoke up and said to Jesus, “Lord, if it’s You, command me to come to You on the water.” Jesus said, “Come!” and Peter stepped out of the boat and miraculously walked upon the water himself. As long as he kept is eyes on Jesus, he was able to walk. When his attention drifted to the crashing waves all around him, however, he immediately began to sink. He was in danger of drowning! When Peter plummeted into the water, he immediately called out to Jesus, “Lord, save me!” And Jesus reached down His hand and pulled Peter up to safety.

There is much to learn from this event. One of the lessons we learn is the importance of keeping our attention on Christ. When we stay focused on Him spiritually, we can see Him do amazing things in and through our lives. You will have peace in the midst of life’s storms. You will have hope in the midst of difficult circumstances. You will find forgiveness for your sins in Christ. Keep your focus on Him. Put your faith in Him. Read the Bible, and by faith applies its truths to your life.

Give God your full attention. When you do that, even when there are daily tasks to do (buying groceries, running errands, walking your dog, taking the kids to ball practice, etc), you will see Him at work in you, through you, and all around you. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Give Him your full attention.

Matthew 14:22-33 (HCSB)

²² Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. ²³ After dismissing the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone. ²⁴ But the boat was already over a mile from land, battered by the waves, because the wind was against them. ²⁵ Around three in the morning, He came toward them walking on the sea. ²⁶ When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and cried out in fear.

²⁷ Immediately Jesus spoke to them. “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

²⁸ “Lord, if it’s You,” Peter answered Him, “command me to come to You on the water.”

²⁹ “Come!” He said.

And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid. And beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

³¹ Immediately Jesus reached out His hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” ³² When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. ³³ Then those in the boat worshiped Him and said, “Truly You are the Son of God!”