Refocus: Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

Reading of the Word

Hebrews 12:1–3 NASB 2020

Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Introduction

To be an athlete in any sport requires not only physical ability but also the will and mental clarity to focus on a goal and the determination to become better at a skill to achieve that goal. Movies can reveal that singular focus. From Rocky Balboa (Rocky, directed by John G. Avildsen, United Artists, 1976) running steps in the cold Philadelphia winter and drinking raw eggs to build muscle, to Rudy Ruettiger (Rudy, directed by David Anspaugh, TriStar Pictures, 1993) sacrificing and doing whatever it took to be on the Notre Dame football team, we can see the inspiration that having a focus on a goal has for a human being.

What is our ultimate goal? To get to heavenly home, where we will be with our Savior forever. We want to hear Jesus say those cherished words “well done, good and faithful servant.”

To reach our ultimate goal, we must achieve smaller milestones along the way that help us finish the race well.

Imagine a marathon runner. They train for months, focusing not only on the finish line but also on each mile marker along the way. Each small goal, like reaching the water station or the next mile, fuels their determination to keep going. Just as the runner has markers to guide them, our spiritual journey includes smaller milestones. These moments of growth, service, and connection with God help us persevere toward the ultimate goal of heaven, where we will be with Christ eternally.

Today, I want to focus on a few key points that will help us understand how to run the race well. Running a race isn’t just about starting strong—it’s about staying consistent and finishing well through every stage. To refocus our eyes on Jesus, we must commit ourselves not just to the start of the race, but to the entire journey. Running this race requires three essential commitments. Let’s explore them together.

Lay Aside Every Weight

Hebrews 12:1

The concept of the "cloud of witnesses" is fascinating, but it requires further explanation.

The imagery of them being together as a cloud illustrates their unity, symbolizing that they have completed the race and received their reward at the finish line.

In this case, It doesn’t mean that they are watching us but instead, they are telling us in unison that “With God, it can be done!”

They tell us that even in the struggle of the race, our God is faithful and will give us everything we need to endure and win the race.

The testimony of the cloud of witnesses inspires us to remove everything that hinders us, giving us the best opportunity to run the race and win.

A runner carrying extra weight will slow down, expend more energy, and risk becoming too exhausted to reach the finish line.

What weights are becoming obstacles in your focus on Jesus?

Distractions (things that are innocent in themselves but become a weight and burden as they consume us)

Concerns

Interests

Habits

Entertainments

Sin

Satan's goal is to destroy our faith by blurring our vision, making it difficult to keep our eyes fixed on Christ. He seeks to bring suffering and misery into our lives, distracting us from Christ and discouraging us to the point of giving up the race.

We must not take weights in our lives lightly. Anything that hinders us from drawing closer to Jesus needs to be set aside.

We cannot do this in our own power. If so, it will cause us to place more obstacles in the way. But we must surrender the obstacles to Jesus and trust him to remove them from the path to him.

When Christ works to remove every weight, sometimes it requires tough love that asks us to change our ways and to turn from the thing that hinders us.

When God does something to correct us, he always has our best in mind. So we must submit ourselves to the discipline Christ has so that he can work in drawing us closer to him.

When the weight is gone, we can see Jesus and refocus our gaze upon him.

Anxiety

The world tries to push us toward fear over faith, discouraging us from believing and trusting in God.

However, when Christ is our focus, we find faith over fear. He sets us free from everything that hinders us, enabling us to run the race with perseverance.

Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

Hebrews 12:2

We need to fix our eyes on Jesus in a world of distractions. How do we do this? We look to Jesus in every stage of this race.

He is the author of our faith.

The author of a book understands it better than anyone else..

Jesus is the author of life, faith, and endurance that will get us to the finish line.

To focus on the finish line is to focus on him

He is the perfecter or finisher of our faith

Jesus perfected faith during His time on earth. Instead of being bound by fulfilling laws that keep us from even starting the race, we now run the race of faith. As we journey further along this path, our faith transforms us to become more like Jesus. It cleanses us from sin and enables us to see Him more clearly as we draw closer to the finish line.

We fix our gaze intently on Him, undistracted by the world around us.

There was once a group of friends trying to balance on a tightrope. Instead of focusing on each other, they looked down at their feet and wobbled all over the place. But when they kept their eyes on a person at the other end, they found balance and confidence. Just like them, when we fix our eyes on Jesus, we find our footing in the chaos of life.

I’m reminded of Peter when Jesus invited him to walk on water. At first, he fixed his eyes on Jesus, but the moment he shifted his focus to the waves, he began to sink. I love Peter’s response—it’s the response we need as well. He cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Consider Him Who Endured

Hebrews 12:3

Jesus endured suffering, shame, and opposition.

We look to Jesus and how he endured opposition, rejection, and suffering and shame.

Can you imagine the shame that is associated with being crucified? The suffering he would endure and it was very public. His body was exposed to the world. He was ridiculed and rejected, even in his hometown.

He endured everything out of love for the world and for every person who has ever lived, is living now, or will live in the future.

He gives us courage to endure whatever is ahead of us. As we endure, we must fix our eyes upon him.

Empowered to Endure

But just as Jesus endured, we can endure whatever is thrown at us!

His grace is enough.

Think of a rubber band. It can stretch remarkably without breaking. Just like that rubber band, life will pull us in many directions, but it's in our stretching that we learn to rely on Jesus’ grace. When we’re pulled, we don’t snap; we endure. It’s through His grace that we maintain that balance and find strength and resilience in our challenges!

He promises that he will be with us.

His presence will give us power to carry us through whatever life throws at us.

Acts 1:8 NASB 2020

but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and as far as the remotest part of the earth.”

He strengthens discouraged hearts.

When we draw our strength from the Lord, it helps us to endure the race, no matter how hard it gets or painful it hurts.

Psalm 73:26 NASB 2020

My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

He gives us hope, especially in times of despair.

This hope propels us forward, running the race with endurance in faith and life.

Hope strengthens our faith in the victory we have through Jesus, who endured the cross for us.

When we keep our eyes focused on Jesus, we always win the race!

This is the reward of our faithfulness to God.

We are victorious, and the prize is ours to enjoy for all eternity.

He uses circumstances to help us refocus on him.

Just as runners push through challenges to finish the race, we too can overcome any obstacle because of Jesus.

Philippians 4:13 NASB 2020

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

As we endure trying times, God gives us a testimony to share with the world.

This is God’s love story, written into each of our lives.

Experience refines us, strengthening our faith and shaping us to become more like Jesus.

Without obstacles and moments that test our faith, how can we truly rely on God? If our faith is never challenged or strengthened, it risks becoming shallow and stagnant.

“A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted.”

b. Faith that reveals God at work deepens our trust in Him, enabling us to depend on Him more fully.

In a game of trust fall, one person stands ready to fall back while their partner prepares to catch them. The thrilling moment of release shows true dependence on their partner. God invites us into such trust falls in life; as we see Him catch us time and time again, our faith deepens, and we learn to fall into His arms more freely.

To Sum It Up

In the race of life, we must intentionally keep our focus on Jesus at the finish line, allowing Him to guide and strengthen us every step of the way.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the race of life is not just about starting strong—it’s about maintaining our focus on Jesus, staying consistent, and enduring through every challenge. As we lay aside the weights that slow us down, fix our eyes on Jesus, and consider His endurance, we are empowered to persevere with His strength.

No matter how difficult the journey may be, we can trust that His grace is enough, and that He will carry us through. Our ultimate goal is the eternal reward of being with Christ, and every step we take in faith brings us closer to that prize.

Let us run this race with perseverance, refocusing on Jesus and embracing the hope and strength He provides. As we endure, we will share a testimony of God’s love and faithfulness, shaping us to become more like Him and strengthening our trust in His ability to see us through to the finish line.

Prayer Following Message

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for being with us as we run the race of life. Help us lay aside the distractions and burdens that hinder our focus on You. We fix our eyes on Jesus, trusting in His strength and example. Empower us to endure every challenge, knowing Your grace is sufficient. Fill us with hope as we press on toward the eternal prize of being with You. Strengthen our faith and guide us to finish well, always relying on Your presence and faithfulness.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Benediction

May the Lord bless you and strengthen you as you run the race of life. May you lay aside every weight, fix your eyes on Jesus, and endure with His grace. As you face each challenge, may His hope and peace fill your heart, and may you be empowered to finish strong, looking forward to the eternal prize. Go in the strength of the Lord, trusting in His faithfulness every step of the way.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.