As Jesus was talking with His disciples He told them why He had been telling them “these things”, to keep them from stumbling. (See John 16:1)

What were “these things”?
John 15:1-8 Jesus said, “I am the true vine.” Fix your eyes on Jesus to keep from stumbling.

John 15:9-17 Jesus”™ love for His followers. Fix your eyes on Jesus”™ love to keep from stumbling.

John 15:18-25 Coming persecution & hatred of the world for Christ and His followers. Fix your eyes on Jesus when persecuted and hated to keep from stumbling.

John 15:26-27, 16:1 Coming testimony of the Holy Spirit Who would point to Christ. Fix your eyes on Jesus and believe the Holy Spirit”™s testimony.

Whenever I focus on “˜me”™, I invariably stumble in life. Whenever I fix my eyes on Jesus ““ my goal becomes God Himself.

(NIV) Philippians 3:12-16 “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do; Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

(NIV) Hebrews 12:2-3 “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

God”™s love provides eternal safety, light for living in a dark world and directions to God Himself. No matter your circumstances ““ keep your eyes fixed upon Jesus to keep from stumbling.

Fix your eyes on Jesus.