Doubt and hesitation are enemies of successful athletes. Former NBA forward Larry Nance said, “Sometimes I need someone to tell me to quit hesitating with my shot. I don’t realize it when I am passing up good open shots. But after someone makes me aware of it, I tell myself to just take the shot without worrying about the results.”

I learned to shoot a basketball from legendary coach Jerry Schmutte. He was just out of college with his first job coaching middle school students. He taught me more than just technique; he also showed me how to trust myself when shooting under pressure. Later, I taught my own players the same technique, but I also wanted them to understand that many struggle with shooting because they lack the right mentality. Perfect form becomes irrelevant if a player lacks confidence. Even elite athletes miss shots when they lack focus.

Matthew 10 – Gospel Focus

The harvest becomes the focus of Matthew 10. After sending His disciples on their mission, Jesus went out to teach and preach. John the Baptist (Jesus’ cousin) had been arrested by Herod for preaching against Herod’s sexual sin, and he was imprisoned. This strong man’s faith needed reassurance, for he expected Jesus to rule immediately and release him from prison.

After all, if Jesus came to set captives free as Isaiah 61:1 predicted, why was John still in prison for preaching righteousness? In his doubt and hesitation, John sent two of his followers (Luke 7:18-35) to ask Jesus to confirm His Messiahship. That very hour, Jesus healed many and cast out demons, using His miracles (fulfilling Isaiah 35:5-6) as His credentials. He also validated the truth of John’s testimony and the significance of His cousin.

So, what was the focus of Jesus’ disciples in chapter 10? They started with a short-term mission, learning by doing. After they returned, Jesus taught them more before they entered the final phase, where the Spirit would come upon them so they could baptize and teach all nations. Now that’s a gospel focus!

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete proclaim the message of Jesus being crucified for our sins, rising again, and returning soon! The Old Testament prophets mostly addressed kings, but now we have a complete message for everyone.

Bible Memory Verse – “Then He *said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.’” Matthew 9:37-38 (LSB)

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