Jesus Takes the Dirty and Makes Them Clean

Life is full of distractions. Every day, attention is drawn in many directions — work, school, relationships, and constant noise. Yet Scripture calls us to focus our eyes on one Person above all others: Jesus Christ.

Recently, a young believer shared a message on the importance of focus. He began by reflecting on the life of his grandmother, whose quiet testimony had left a lasting impression. Those who knew her spoke of how naturally she brought Christ into conversation and how evident it was that her relationship with Jesus was central to her life. Her focus was on Him — and her faith impacted everyone around her.

That reflection raises an important question:

What do we focus on most in life?

Do we know the Lord Jesus personally — as someone we trust, speak to, and depend upon? The Bible reveals that this is the kind of relationship He desires with each of us.

Why Jesus came

Many recognize Jesus as a good man, a wise teacher, or a worker of miracles — and He was all of these. Yet His mission reached far beyond moral example or acts of compassion. Jesus came because humanity was lost — separated from God by sin and unable to bridge the gap.

From eternity, God’s plan was not condemnation but rescue. The Son of God stepped out of heaven’s glory and entered a broken world, taking on human flesh so that He could bear our guilt. At the cross, He took the punishment our sin deserved, satisfying God’s justice and revealing God’s love. His death was not a tragedy of injustice, but the triumph of divine mercy — the moment when the holy God made a way for sinners to be forgiven and restored to Himself.

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” — 1 Timothy 1:15

When Peter lost focus

In Matthew 14, Peter stepped out of a boat to walk toward Jesus on the water. For a moment, his faith held firm. But when he noticed the wind and waves, fear took over, and he began to sink. His desperate cry was simple: “Lord, save me!”

The Bible says, “Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him.”

That word immediately speaks volumes. Jesus did not wait to see how long Peter could struggle — He saved him the moment he called.

Like Peter, we too can lose focus when the storms of life surround us. Yet even when we falter, Jesus remains ready to reach out in mercy. His hand is still extended, and His invitation still stands.

While we were still sinners

Romans 5:8 declares, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

This is the heart of the gospel. Christ did not wait for us to improve ourselves or become worthy. He came to us at our worst — to take the guilty and make them clean.

An old illustration puts it simply: no one washes before taking a shower. We step into the shower in order to be clean. In the same way, Jesus welcomes sinners just as they are and makes them new through His saving grace.

Now is the time

The Bible urges us: “Now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Salvation is not something to postpone or earn. The Lord Jesus has already finished the work through His death and resurrection. He offers forgiveness and eternal life to all who call upon Him in faith.

The invitation is clear:

Fix your eyes on Jesus.

He is the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

He is the Saviour who died for sinners.

And He still waits with outstretched hands.