Eyes on Jesus
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About Eyes on Jesus
A Note from Mark Mabry
It is past midnight on the Sea of Galilee. The disciples have been rowing against the wind for hours. They see a figure walking on the water and they think it is a ghost. Then they hear his voice. Peter answers him.
He does not ask for a sign. He asks for a command. Not proof. A job. Jesus says come. And Peter swings a leg over the side and steps onto the sea.
Look at the boat. Some of those men barely knew each other yet. Their reactions probably ran from horror to admiration to "I can't believe he is actually doing this." Some friends call us back when faith looks risky. Some friends cheer us forward. They raise their hands, not their eyebrows. They pray while you step. That is how God keeps us steady on the water together.
Following Jesus freaks me out (maybe that's the point). What is Jesus telling me to do? If I do it, what will it do to the guys in my boat? Will they call me back, or will they jump out with me?
I used to feel sorry for Peter when he sank. Now I think he was lucky. He sank in front of the only Person who could reach in and pull him out. He had to sink to walk with Jesus. So did I.
This is a painting. I art-directed it with Pieter Van Tonder, a South African painter I recruited a few years ago to paint Christ. We built the water first in 3D motion, frame by frame, until it behaved the way real water behaves under that light. Then Pieter painted the whole thing by hand from that reference. The water. The men in the boat. Peter. The face Peter cannot stop looking at.
This is what I am after with modern Christian art. A realistic image of Christ that puts a question in the room.
A few weeks after the piece came out, my sixteen-year-old son asked me to hang it in his bedroom. I keep thinking about that. He is at the age where Peter's question matters most.
ps. Peter walked on water twice. The first was the gutsy walk away from his friends. The second was the walk back to the boat with Jesus on his arm. After that second walk, for the first time in the gospels, the men in the boat fell down and worshipped Jesus together. Faith done in front of friends pulls them with us.
"Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water."
— Matthew 14:28 (KJV)
Framed Canvas Art
Two ways to frame your canvas. Pick the one that fits the room.
Float Framed Canvas (generally more modern). A 1.5-inch-deep Premium Gallery Wrapped Canvas sits inside a slim frame with a small gap between frame and canvas, so the print appears to float. Available in nine thin frame profiles: Thin Gold, Thin White, Thin Silver, Thin Black, Thin Walnut, Thin Maple, Thin Oak, Thin Espresso, and Thin Natural. Ships ready to hang with hanging cleat, black backing, and bumpers.
Classic Framed Canvas (generally more traditional). A 0.75-inch-deep premium canvas sits inside the frame the way frames have held important pictures for centuries. Available in five hand-finished profiles: Plein Air Gold, Vintage Copper, Black Gold Classic, Concerto Black Gold, and Driftwood Gray. Ships ready to hang with hanging wire and black backing.
Both styles are framed to order in the USA with gallery-quality precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What story is behind Eyes on Jesus?
Eyes on Jesus draws from Matthew 14 and focuses on Peter walking on the water with Christ, highlighting the moment when Jesus saves and steadies him.
Why would someone choose Eyes on Jesus over other walking-on-water artwork?
This piece is especially compelling for those who want a daily reminder of keeping their focus on Christ in seasons of fear, doubt or uncertainty. It puts the walking on water story into context.
How long does shipping take?
Most canvases are made to order and typically ship within five business days. Traditional prints typically ship within two business days.
What formats is this artwork available in?
Format availability varies by piece, but many Reflections of Christ pieces offer framed canvas, gallery wrapped canvas, loose canvas and in some cases traditional prints. Sizes also vary by artwork, including smaller home-friendly sizes and larger statement pieces.
Testimonials
I still tear up at times when I look at this image. What a beautiful reminder that if we keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus…
Kathy, TN
When this piece came into our home Fred and I felt our home change.🙏
Julie, WA
One of my favorite things in my home—my @reflectionsofchrist portrait. This piece is so dear to my heart... it's placed in the center of my home, because my intention as a mother is to always have Christ be our center for everything we do. This artwork brings light and spirit to our family.
Rach Parcell, UT
I’m a huge believer in having some kind of art depicting the Savior in your home. It’s a wonderful talking piece and teaching moment for kids to see and ponder what the image means to them.
Bubba Page, UT
As my journey with God gets stronger over the years, I made it apparent to have his presence in my Home.
Teaching the kids his ways and his endless Love.
This piece symbolizes strength and the Light he brings into my life.
Randyl, FL
…I firmly believe that having Christ as the center of our homes can bring the Peace we are all constantly seeking, in the place we spend the most time, with the people we love so deeply!
Jasmine, ID
Nothing makes a home like beautiful art, these pictures really set a wonderful mood in our home!
Jase Bennett, Scottland
Lately, Fisher has been afraid of “monsters”. We pray every night, but I think seeing Jesus just outside his room really helps. No talk of monsters anymore!
It’s so important to instill God’s love on our boys and teach them about their Father.
Brittany Robinson, TX
My big gift this year brought me to tears. I can remember the first time I saw this print and it took my breath away. I need the daily reminder of Jesus, His power and His plan for me and my family.
Rainer, TN
Every time I look at this photo, I am reminded that I am cared for by the best Father. That no matter what happens around me, He is my protector… with Him I can walk on water.
Mila, WA
This picture in our entryways helps us pause, reflect, and ask ourselves “how can we be more like Christ?” on a daily basis.
Holly and Brad, TN
Never have I loved a picture of Jesus more. The colors are soothing and the happiness it brings to my heart when I look at it makes me want one in every room. —*adds to cart for every room in the house
Betsy Mikesell, TN
I was always told to look for God in everything, how I live and look at life. It is important to me to have this picture of Jesus to be reminded daily of his kindness, wonder, and love. If remembrance is a value of yours; this is the perfect way to start!