Speaking Of Life 1024 | Jesus Brings it into Focus
Heber Ticas
A macro lens is a powerful tool used to bring focus to an object. Colors become more vivid, lines are sharper, and an intricate beauty is brought out that the naked eye cannot see. You are looking at the same object, but it’s like you are seeing it for the first time.
In some ways Jesus was like a macro lens as he redefined and reframed our ideas about God and his kingdom. Throughout the book of John, we find Jesus using macro lens to bring kingdom realities into focus.
Jesus does his first miracle at a wedding, a rich cultural occasion that reminds the chosen people of the coming wedding feast with God. He tells a rabbi that more teaching won’t do the trick, and he must be born again. He meets at the sacred site of Jacob’s well where he has a conversation with a marginalized person from a hated minority. All over the place, Jesus is about the business of redefinition, bringing things into true focus.
In John 10, Jesus is at the Feast of Dedication, when some people come up and say, “Tell us, are you the Messiah or not? Jesus responds with a macro lens revealing more than they imagined.
“I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice, I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish…” Verses 25-28.
In this statement, Jesus is again making it very clear he is the Son of God, he is the Messiah who came to save, but he also makes it clear our need to hear him. Most people are not listening or asking the right questions. Who else can give eternal life? Who else can promise that his followers will not perish. He continues:
“…No one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” John 10:28-30
Jesus has added a different lens to the picture. Not only is he telling them he is the Son of the Father, but he’s also giving them a clearer understanding of God’s love. It is eternal, it cannot be snatched away.
This is what Jesus does, he brings things into a clearer focus, he gives a more detailed picture. I can recall multiple occasions when Jesus through his Spirit has added a new lens to my own optics.
Jesus called people to see old things in a new way. What is Jesus bringing into focus for you today? Where is he drawing your attention to a freedom, joy, beauty, and depth you haven’t seen before? What is he bringing into focus?
I’m Heber Ticas, Speaking of Life!
