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 how to shoot a basketball from legendary coach Jerry Schmutte. He was fresh out of college with his first job coaching middle school students. He taught me more than just technique. He also taught me to trust myself when shooting the ball under pressure. I later taught my own players the exact same technique, but I also wanted them to understand that many players struggle with shooting the ball because they lack the right mentality. The picture-perfect form becomes irrelevant if a player lacks confidence and worries too much about shooting the ball. Even elite athletes fail under pressure when they lack the right focus.

Matthew 10 – Gospel Focus

The harvest becomes the focus of Matthew 10. After Jesus sent His disciples on their mission, Jesus Himself 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, so He used his miracles (fulfilling Isaiah 35:5-6) as His credentials. He also confirmed the validity of John’s testimony and the greatness of His cousin.

So, what was the focus of Jesus’ disciples in chapter 10? They began with a short-term mission assignment, learning by doing. When they returned, they spent more time being taught by Jesus before they would later enter the final phase with the Spirit entering them so they could baptize and teach all nations. Now that’s a gospel focus!

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete preach the message of Jesus being crucified for sin, resurrected, and coming again! We have a more complete revelation of God! The Old Testament prophets spoke mostly to kings, while we have a message for everyone!

Journaling helps you understand and respond to the Bible. As you journal, use the acronym HEAR to Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond to what you have read in the reading plan.

Bible Memory Verse – Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38

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