You are familiar, no doubt, with one of the most famous paintings ever done by any artist. The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, that classic portrayal of Christ and the twelve apostles at the table.

Many students of art history believe that the painting, when first created, was somewhat different from the version which we now see.  There was initially, it is believed, an exquisite lace border on the tablecloth. When, immediately upon completion, da Vinci invited a group of art students to view his masterpiece, they were immensely impressed by the delicate design of that lacework. They studied it intensely and praised it highly.

Upon seeing the reaction of these young men, the artist took up a brush, dipped it, and made a few long strokes across the canvas,  obliterating the lace. Then, with uncontrollable feeling, he shouted, “Now, look at the face of Christ!”

How easily we take our view off of Christ and put it on some nice distraction. The Hebrew writer urged, “fixing your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb. 12:2).

Let us fix our eyes upon Him. Let us see His beauty, His love, His grace and His commitment to us. Then let us walk in His steps (1  Pet. 2:21-25)

– Phil Sanders