Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus vs. Seeing the All-Surpassing, Glorious Christ

 

Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus vs. Seeing the All-Surpassing, Glorious Christ

Hebrews 12:2 – “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross...”

Matthew 14:29-30 – Peter walked on the sea to go to Jesus; when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid and began to sink.

Philippians 3:8-9 – Paul counted all things as loss and rubbish compared to knowing Christ, seeking to gain Christ.

Colossians 1:27 – The riches of the mystery among the Gentiles: Christ in you, the hope of glory.

John 1:14 – The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth, and we beheld His glory.

 

Aspect	Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2)	Seeing the All-Surpassing, Glorious Christ (Philippians 3:8; Colossians 1:27; John 1:14)
Meaning	Focusing solely on Christ, turning away from distractions, self, and circumstances; "looking away" means to look off from all else unto Jesus.	Receiving revelation to behold Christ’s glory and His supreme value, recognizing Him as surpassing all things and absolutely precious.
Difference	Emphasizes an action of “turning the eyes” toward Jesus, involving daily practice.	Emphasizes revelation and inner vision of Christ’s glory, involving spiritual enlightenment.
Effect	Enables believers to run the heavenly race with endurance, without discouragement or deviation.	Causes believers to willingly forsake all things, count them as loss, and treasure Christ as the ultimate gain.
Example	Peter walking on water—he succeeded while fixing his eyes on Jesus, but sank when he looked at the waves (Matt. 14:29-30).	Paul, upon seeing Christ’s surpassing worth, gave up the law and all earthly pursuits (Phil. 3:7-9).
Application	In daily life, learn to turn away from self, problems, and environment, and focus wholly on Jesus.	Pursue spiritual revelation and vision, seeing Christ’s glory, which transforms values and priorities.
Common Ground	Both direct believers to Christ as the only center and satisfaction; both lead believers to turn from the world, self, and environment to Christ and receive strength for the heavenly journey.
Summary	“Fixing our eyes on Jesus” is the secret of running the Christian race, involving continual focus and dependence.	“Seeing the glorious, surpassing Christ” is the foundation of inner vision, involving revelation and transformation of values.
Key Scriptures	Hebrews 12:2 – “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith...” Matthew 14:29-30 – Peter walked on water while looking at Jesus.	Philippians 3:8-9 – “I count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord...” Colossians 1:27 – “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

 

Core Points:

• Both emphasize Christ as the absolute focus and treasure.
• Looking away unto Jesus involves practice of faith; seeing His glory involves revelation.
• Together, they form the dynamic of Christian living: vision (seeing Christ) and action (fixing eyes on Him).

Conclusion:

Fixing our eyes on Jesus keeps believers steadfast in the race, while seeing His surpassing glory transforms their values and pursuits. Both are indispensable and complementary, pointing to Christ as the believer’s center, strength, and ultimate treasure.

 

*Please refer to the June 2025 Summer Training, General Topic: Experiencing, Enjoying, and Manifesting Christ (Part 3), Chapter 8: Looking Beyond Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith; Chapter 9: The Vision, Experience, Enjoyment, and Manifestation of the Supreme Treasure of Christ for the Genuine Church Life.