"Jesus spoke these things, looked up to heaven, and said:
'Father,
the hour has come.
Glorify Your Son
so that the Son may glorify You.'" –John 17:1
Baseball is a great team sport. Players work together to make their team successful. One of my favorite plays is when players give up their at bat for a possible victory in the end. This is an important play. The home-run hitters get all the glory, but these role players do just as much to help the team win.
Jesus knew He had a role to carry out for His team (His followers) and lived His life accordingly, preparing to take one for His team. Christ knew the plan for ultimate victory. He knew He was to be the sacrifice for our sin, that we might enjoy eternity with Him. Now that is a glory-filled event.
Just as in baseball, where one play can change the whole course of a game, Jesus’ glorious sacrifice changed the course for all mankind. When we are asked to do something, or give up something for the team, we need to remember what Christ did on the cross. Surely, we can be Christ-like in making a small sacrifice, when we understand His ultimate sacrifice. Thank You, Lord for going to the cross for me!
1. What is your reaction when you have to give yourself up for the sake of the team?
2. Do you truly understand the sacrifice Christ made for you?
3. How can you make sacrifices in your life to show a Christ-like attitude?
Romans 5:6; 8:34; 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10
Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross for my sin. Help me be selfless in my actions. Show me how I can “take one for the team” and allow a teammate, friend, or family member to succeed. Help me have a Christ-like attitude in all I do. Amen.
