Look to Jesus: How Christian Moms Can Keep Their Eyes on Christ

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Hebrews 12:2, used to be the tagline for this blog, and is one of the sources for the Christianese phrase, “just look to Jesus!” It was my hope to encourage all busy moms to keep their eyes on Christ.

But, what does this really mean? What does it mean, practically, to look to Jesus?  Why do we look to Jesus?

Why Do We Look to Jesus?  To Endure!

Christ is the greatest example of perfect obedience while also facing trials and persecution.

And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. – Philippians 2:8

Whenever you are going through a trial, hardship, or even day-to-day life, you may find yourself exhausted, lonely, and lacking all patience.  These are the times that I let my guard down, giving way to anger and selfishness.  When you are just “done,” look to Jesus as an example of what it means to obediently persevere in the faith.

Although specifically written in the context of keeping the faith in the midst of persecution, all believers are called to fight (1 Timothy 6:12) and run hard (Hebrews 12:1).  As a mama, you can faithfully get up over and over at night with a newborn, you can respond graciously to your child’s continued disobedience, you can fold the seventh load of laundry today because you serve a God who understands.  Christ has given you the ultimate example to follow.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.  Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. – Hebrews 4:15-16

God Gives Us the Faith to Look to Jesus

Spurgeon says that the Greek word for “looking” means we must “look away from everything else.”  The author of Hebrews describes it as “lay[ing] aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely.”

When you are tired and exhausted, removing all distractions and giving God our rapt attention sounds impossible, but He graciously provides for us.

Here’s Hebrews 4:16 again – “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Not only do we follow the example of Christ’s perseverance, He has equipped us to do so!

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.  Amen.” – Hebrews 13:20-21

Mama, don’t rely on your own strength today. Looking to Jesus means looking to Him through the faith He provides.  Burk Parsons says,

“We don’t look to Christ in faith to be saved and then look to ourselves to persevere. We trust Christ alone as our Savior and look to Christ alone and follow Him as our Lord.  Our greatest need before conversion is the gospel of Jesus Christ, and our greatest need after conversion is the same gospel. We never move on from the gospel, only deeper into the gospel, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes (Rom. 1:16).”

As believers, we must daily hold to and remind ourselves of the same truths of the Gospel as there is power in those words.

What Does it Look Like, Practically, to Look to Jesus?

A mother looking to Jesus is communing with Him daily.

How can you follow Christ’s example if you are not saturating yourself in His life and words?  Praise be to God that we have the gift of the Holy Spirit, God with us, our comforter and our convictor.  Praise be to God that through Christ’s work on the cross He is our perfect High Priest.  We can approach the throne of God in our time of need! (Hebrews 4:15-16)  Read more about private worship and the spiritual disciplines here.

A mother looking to Jesus view the mundane as acts of worship.

Looking to Jesus, putting off all worldly hindrances, changes our perspectives and actions.  We no longer find ourselves going through the motions, but, instead, we believe everything we say and do has eternal implications and is an opportunity to worship God.  Mama, you were created to glorify God!  Read more about viewing the mundane as worship here.

When We Look to Jesus, We are Filled with Joy

1 Peter 1:8-9 says,

Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

We will be filled with joy immeasurable when we persevere and see God’s glory displayed for all of eternity.  Here on earth, we also get to experience the joy of having a relationship with Him now.  Your Creator and Lord loves you and nothing can separate you from that love (Romans 8:38-39).

When life is hard – look to Christ as your example of perfect obedience.  You cannot do this of your own strength, so humbly come before the throne of God to receive His grace.  In faith, seek Him and do all things for His glory.  Rejoice in Christ Himself and your future eternity with Him.

Need some simple, practical encouragement to help you look to Christ as a mom? Be sure to check out the 30 Day, Look to Jesus Challenge.

What Do You Think?

How can a Christian mother look to Jesus in the face of trials?  How can a Christian mother look to Jesus in the midst of the mundane?

Resources

Looking Back to Witnesses, Up to Jesus, and Forward to Joy

When Tempted to Give Up, Throw in the Towel, and Run Away: Praying through Hebrews 12:1-3

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus sung by Sovereign Grace Music