Play-by-Play: John (3/3)نموونە

Making Sacrifices

The New York Knicks had a chance to bring their first NBA title to the city in 1970, but they needed Willis Reed to make one of the greatest sacrificial efforts in sports history to do it. Reed averaged 32 points, and the series was tied 2-2. In Game 5, Reed tore a muscle in his leg and was forced to make an early exit and miss the next game. Tied 3-3, the Knicks expected to play the crucial Game 7 without their MVP captain. Reed refused to be idle, so he received a painkiller injection into his thigh and limped to the court. The inspirational and emotional rush of having their captain on the floor boosted his teammate’s confidence and led to their first NBA championship.

“When I saw that,” Knicks guard Walt Frazier said, “something told me we might have these guys.” The inspirational and emotional rush of having their captain on the floor boosted his teammate’s confidence and led to their first NBA championship.

The greatest sports movies all share the willing sacrificial efforts of a coach or team as their theme. None of these begin to compare with the sacrifice Jesus made in John 19. Crucifixion was considered the cruelest execution possible. The Romans reserved it for slaves and the worst criminals. Cicero wrote, “To bind a Roman citizen is a crime, to flog him is an abomination, to slay him is almost an act of murder: to crucify him is—what? There is no fitting word that can possibly describe so horrible a deed.”

Jesus’ crucifixion took place during the Passover celebration. He died as the lamb of God (John 1:29, 36). The blood of lambs had spared the Israelites when the destroyer invaded the land of Egypt. John wrote in 1 John 1:7, “The blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” Jesus died for us. The ultimate sacrifice! We all have committed sins, and we are all worthy of death, but Christ took our place. He was publicly executed, and His blood was shed on our behalf. The Kingdom Coach and Athlete believe Jesus was crucified to pay for their sin so that they can be forgiven and be made right with God.

H.E.A.R.

As you read today’s chapter, journal using the H.E.A.R method:

H (Highlight) - What stands out to you? If something stands out to you, it’s likely God pulling you toward a certain portion of scripture.

E (Explain) - Describe in context the text. Ask questions like: Why was this written? To whom was it originally written? How does this fit with the verses before and after? Why did the Holy Spirit include this passage in the book?

A (Apply) - How do you take this verse beyond the page? Ask questions like: How can this help me? What does this mean today? What would the application of this verse look like in my life? What is God saying to me?

R (Respond) - This is where you will write a measurable response to the truth God revealed. Maybe it will be a call to action, something you will change in the coming week. Maybe it will be a prayer asking God to help you work this truth into your life. Whichever, make sure it is measurable so you can hold yourself accountable in your growth as a disciple.