Podcast Summary: The Daily Blade | Ep. 253

"Joby Martin // Keep Your Eyes On Jesus"
Hosts: Joby Martin & Kyle Thompson
Date: December 19, 2025

Main Theme

This Christmas edition of The Daily Blade concludes the series on “Five Ways to Be a Winner at Christmas,” with the most crucial encouragement: Don’t miss Jesus. Pastor Joby Martin unpacks the biblical story of the Magi and King Herod, emphasizing the importance of keeping one’s focus on Jesus amidst the holiday distractions. The episode challenges listeners to intentionally center their families and traditions on Christ, offering practical advice and an unexpected pop-culture illustration from the movie Home Alone.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Focusing on Jesus at Christmas

• Distractions Abound: The world offers many ways to miss the true meaning of Christmas, pushing Jesus to the margins (00:30).
• Central Message: “Whatever you do, don’t miss Jesus. … The whole thing is about Jesus.” — Joby Martin (00:25)
• Scripture Reference: Matthew 2:1–12, retelling the visits of the Magi and their search for the Messiah.

2. The Magi vs. Herod: Who Saw Jesus?

• The Magi’s Pursuit:
  • The Magi, likely inspired by Daniel’s teachings centuries earlier, sought Jesus by following the signs (00:54).
  • They “were looking for him,” despite limited access to Scripture.
• Herod’s Missed Opportunity:
  • Herod had every resource—power, access to scripture scholars, and knowledge—but missed Jesus because he couldn't take his eyes off himself (02:58).
  • “Herod had access to everything that he needs … and he misses him. … The reason that he misses who Jesus is is because he could not get his eyes off himself.” — Joby Martin (03:10)

3. Practical Spiritual Habits for Christmas

• Key Habits:
  • Pray
  • Read your Bible
  • Go to church
  • “Aim your family at Jesus” (04:04)
• Balance of Tradition:
  • Enjoy Santa Claus and holiday movies, but keep Christ central.

4. Finding Jesus in Unexpected Places: The Home Alone Example

• Illustration from Josh Howerton:

  • Home Alone as a “Christian movie”—not because of intent, but as an example of finding Christ-centered themes if you’re looking for them (04:26).
  • Symbols in the Movie:
    • Church scene: “O Holy Night” playing; Kevin meets ‘Old Man Marley’ as a Christ figure (“he is literally salting the earth,” wears a bandage on his hand, symbolizing being ‘pierced’).
    • Confession & repentance: Kevin admits his wrongdoing and plans to change.
    • Need for a Savior: Kevin cannot defeat the Wet Bandits alone; Old Man Marley saves him (05:05).

• Key Takeaway:

  • “If you look for Jesus, you’ll find him. If you keep your eyes focused on Jesus, the author, the perfecter of your faith, you will find him—even in our silly man-made Christmas traditions.” — Joby Martin (04:50)
  • “Is this movie a Christian movie? I don’t care. That’s not the point. The point is this: don't miss Jesus.” (05:18)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Centrality of Jesus:

  “Whatever you do, don’t miss Jesus. … The whole thing is about Jesus.”
  — Joby Martin (00:25)

• On Herod’s Missed Opportunity:

  “Herod had access to everything that he needs in order to welcome in the Messiah—and he misses him… because he could not get his eyes off himself.”
  — Joby Martin (03:10)

• On Finding Jesus in Culture:

  “If you look for Jesus, you’ll find him. … Even in our silly man-made Christmas traditions.”
  — Joby Martin (04:50)

• On Leading Your Family:

  “You lead your family and yourself to do whatever it takes to keep your eyes focused on not just the trappings of Christmas, but the Savior who was born a baby in a manger."
  — Joby Martin (05:30)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:25 — Introduction of the episode’s main idea: Don’t miss Jesus at Christmas
• 00:54 — Reading and commentary on Matthew 2:1–12 (the Magi’s journey)
• 03:10 — Reflection on Herod’s access vs. the Magi’s pursuit
• 04:04 — Spiritual habits to keep Jesus central during Christmas
• 04:26 — The Home Alone illustration: Finding Jesus in unexpected places
• 05:18 — Summary: It’s not about labeling things “Christian,” but about turning your gaze to Christ

Episode Flow and Tone

Joby Martin’s passionate, relatable teaching style keeps the tone personal and practical, often shifting rapidly from scripture study to everyday encouragement and then to pop-culture references. The episode balances scriptural insight, practical advice, and engaging storytelling for a memorable devotional.

Conclusion

This episode is a heartfelt exhortation not to lose sight of Jesus amidst the seasonal chaos. By recounting the biblical story of the Magi and using examples from modern culture, Joby Martin urges listeners to lead themselves and their loved ones toward Christ-centered Christmas celebrations. The big takeaway: If you look for Jesus—no matter where—you will find him.