“What was Jesus’ primary focus during His three years of public ministry?”
It’s a trick question. I’m always a bit suspicious of single correct answers to complex questions.
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Thomas wasn’t around when Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection. When his friends told him what happened, Doubting Thomas earned his forever nickname. “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
Eight days later, Jesus showed up again. Rather than scolding, Jesus gently invited Thomas to “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
Thomas proclaims, “My Lord and my God!”
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Jesus might have been indignant about Thomas’ lack of faith. He might have wondered if these guys learned anything in three years.
Jesus never focused on himself. For Him it was always about God and the needs (not wants) of others.
In that moment Jesus gave Thomas what he needed to fulfill the specific role to which he’d been called.
Re-read the last sentence. Isn’t that the promise?
Makes me think. As a follower, what if I looked at my own circles–family, church, workplace, RICH’S RIDE. What if I took the focus off me and looked at each person in the circle.
What if I asked What does that person need? Rather than advancing my agenda and achieving my goals, what if I asked myself what I could do to advance theirs?
Here’s my answer to the opening question: His focus was on God and on other people. Jesus would be the guy offering to take pictures of folks.
Jesus’ life wasn’t a selfie.
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