Lamb of God

In our fast-paced world, we often get lost in electronic gadgets, social media, and distractions, spending hours scrolling through others’ content and missing out on significant moments in our lives. I recently watched a TikTok video discussing focus and attention. The influencer divided a 24-hour day into three parts: eight hours for sleep, eight for work, and the remaining time for daily chores. Most people use their eight hours of free time scrolling through photos and videos on their phones. That is a lot of time wasted! I found it comical that I keep watching videos on how not to waste time watching other videos. However, the influencer emphasized the importance of giving full attention to our goals, which holds true. Christians, too, often struggle to maintain their focus on God. 

As Christians, we, too, can fall victim to distractions that pull us away from what truly matters. It’s crucial to refocus and recenter our attention on the One who matters most—Jesus Christ. But how do we do that? Two essential questions guide us on this journey: Who should we focus on, and when should we focus on them? 

Who Should We Focus On? The answer is simple yet profound: Jesus Christ. In John 1:29, we encounter a powerful word, “behold.” It’s an attention-getting particle, like saying, “Pay attention to this instantly!” John the Baptist calls our attention to the Lamb of God, who is none other than Jesus Christ. He is the One who should be at the center of our focus. However, just as the Jewish leaders missed the significance of a lamb, we, too, can miss the depth of Christ’s role. 

The Jewish leaders eagerly awaited a king, a Messiah, a lion who would vanquish their enemies. In their eyes, a lamb appeared weak and inadequate, seemingly destined for slaughter. They failed to heed the prophecy in Isaiah 53:7, which likened the Messiah to “a lamb led to the slaughter.” This prophecy suggests that Christ’s mission was not to establish an earthly kingdom but to save humanity for eternity. He was the Lamb of God, the sacrificial offering for the sins of the world. Jesus, being God, served as the dwelling place of God on earth, as indicated in John 1:14, which clearly explains how God became human in Jesus, dwelling among us. In other words, Jesus is the temple, establishing a holy tabernacle on earth for us to witness God in human form. The Jews failed to recognize their Savior among them. 

Often, we criticize the Jewish leaders for their ignorance in recognizing Jesus as God. But there are many people in the world right now who fail to recognize Jesus as God and realize the sacrifice God made for everyone. Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, emphasizes the supremacy of Christ. He encourages the church to seek the things that are above, where Jesus Christ is seated at the right hand of God (3:1). This exhortation reminds us that our focus on Christ should be unwavering. What aspects of your life might be diverting your attention away from Jesus today?  

When Should We Focus On Them? The answer is just as straightforward: instantly. We need to shift our focus to Jesus Christ without delay. John the Baptist understood the urgency and declared that Christ had come to take away the sins of the world by sacrificing Himself on the cross and rising again on the third day. John the Baptist’s message wasn’t limited to the urgency of Christ’s sacrifice; he also implored people to “repent, for the kingdom is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). The urgency of our faith cannot be overstated. We don’t have the luxury of procrastination when it comes to our relationship with Christ. We must heed the call to prioritize Him in our lives immediately, just as John the Baptist emphasized the pressing need to embrace Christ as our Savior without delay. 

Yet, as the Christmas season approaches, our attention often drifts towards the trappings of the holiday: gifts, decorations, lights, time with loved ones, and even Santa Claus. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying these aspects of the season, it’s essential to remember the true reason for the celebration—Christ’s birth. How often do we set aside time during Christmas to focus on Jesus, to reflect on His incredible gift to humanity? 

In our fast-paced lives, it’s all too easy to let our focus slip away from what truly matters. As we approach this Christmas season, don’t let any distractions take your focus and attention away from Christ. Just as the compass always points toward the North, let’s recalibrate to remember the importance of immediate and unwavering focus on the Lamb of God—Jesus Christ. If you need help recalibrating, we have a great plan on iCampus called the 5 Habits Of A Healthy Christian, a guide that will help you stay focused on Christ regardless of where you are in your walk of faith. 

May this Christmas be Christ-filled!

Questions for Thought

• During this holiday season, what steps can you take to ensure that your focus remains on Christ? 
• Reflecting on the urgency, what aspect of your life might be hindering your immediate attention to Christ, and do you know someone who needs to hear about Christ immediately?

Prayer

Dear Lord, as we come before You with gratitude for Your unwavering love and grace. Help us to refocus our hearts and minds on what truly matters, especially during this Christmas season. May our attention be fixed on Your Son, Jesus Christ, who sacrificed Himself for our salvation. Grant us the wisdom and strength to prioritize our faith and relationship with Him. Lord, we pray for all those who are lost. We ask that their hearts be opened to Christ’s love and redemption. May they come to know Jesus as their personal Savior and be part of Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen. 

Daily Challenge

Write down three things you think are distracting you right now. How can you refocus your attention on Christ in those areas?