June 3’s devotional.
“Sir, we want to see Jesus.” That request from John 12 sits at the heart of the Christian life. Andre said, “In fact, that’s what we want to do every time the word of God is preached. We want to see Jesus.” Hebrews 8 directs our eyes to Him immediately: “Now the main point of what is being said is this: We have this kind of high priest who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens” (Hebrews 8:1, CSB). The world constantly pulls our attention toward rituals, achievements, distractions, and appearances. Yet Scripture calls us to look steadily at Christ. He alone is worthy of our gaze.
The believers addressed in Hebrews faced pressure, suffering, and temptation to return to the familiar rituals of the old covenant. They missed the temple, the ceremonies, and the visible symbols of religion. But the writer urges them not to turn back. Jesus is better. The old priests stood daily because their work never ended. Jesus sat down because His work was complete. Hebrews 8:2 declares that He is “a minister of the sanctuary and the true tabernacle that was set up by the Lord and not man” (CSB). Christ finished the work of redemption fully and perfectly.
Andre reminds us, “Stop worrying about that. Focus instead on the internal. Don’t look at the building. Look at your heart.” That statement cuts deeply. We can become consumed with external Christianity while neglecting communion with Christ Himself. We can admire theology yet fail to worship. We can attend services yet drift spiritually. But the new covenant fixes our attention on a Person, not merely a practice. Jesus is not another religious option. He is the better priest, the better hope, and the better covenant.
Ask yourself honestly today… what captures your attention more than Christ? Work? Comfort? Reputation? Ministry activity? Even good things can quietly replace Him at the centre. The Christian life does not continue by self-effort. It continues by beholding Jesus through His Word. Read the Gospels slowly this week. Meditate on His character. Consider His finished work. Worship intentionally. The more clearly you see Christ, the more your heart will love Him and follow Him.
Father, forgive me for the times I become distracted by outward things while neglecting Your Son. Fix my eyes upon Jesus. Help me to treasure Him above routine, performance, and empty religion. Thank You that Christ has finished the work of salvation completely. Stir my heart to love Him more deeply and to follow Him more faithfully. Let my life reflect the beauty and sufficiency of Jesus Christ. Amen.