Focus On Him
“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4
When I was learning how to train my dog Gracie, the instructor kept saying, “Teach your dog to look at you.” Not at a leaf blowing across the yard. Not at a buzzing bee. Not at another dog passing by. Not at an inquisitive squirrel. She needs to look at you!
That’s easier said than done.
Distractions are everywhere. The world is full of movement, noise, and things that spark curiosity. For Gracie, it was instinct to chase what moves. For us, it’s instinct to drift toward what promises comfort, success, control, or pleasure.
In Matthew’s account of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, we see something powerful. After fasting forty days, Jesus was physically weak and hungry. The tempter came at a vulnerable moment. Bread would have been reasonable. Power would have been impressive. Protection would have been spectacular.
Yet each time, Jesus responded the same way: “It is written.”
He kept His eyes on the Father.
Instead of focusing on His hunger, He focused on God’s provision.
Instead of grasping for power, He trusted God’s plan.
Instead of demanding proof of protection, He rested in God’s promises.
Jesus didn’t argue creatively with temptation. He anchored Himself in Scripture. He showed us that victory doesn’t come from willpower alone, but from knowing and believing the Word of God.
Temptation often begins by shifting our gaze. It says, “Look at this. You need this. You deserve this.” But Jesus shows us another way: Look at the Father. Trust His Word. Believe His promises.
Like training a dog to keep eye contact with its owner, we train our hearts through daily practice—reading Scripture, meditating on truth, reminding ourselves of who God is. Over time, our reflex becomes not chasing the “leaf” of temptation, but looking to our Lord.
When we fix our eyes on God, temptation loses some of its shine. His promises are better. His timing is better. His provision is better.
Jesus has shown us how to stand firm—not by staring at the temptation, but by focusing on the Father.
Lord, when distractions pull at my heart and temptations promise quick satisfaction, teach us to keep our eyes on You. Help us hide Your Word in our hearts so that we can stand firm. Strengthen us to trust Your promises more than our impulses. Thank You for Jesus, who showed us how to overcome. Amen.