The best example of an athlete who fought injustice is Jackie Robinson. He became the first African American to play in the Major Leagues on April 15, 1947. The hatred he endured is well-documented, from beanballs and being spiked to the use of racial epitaphs. “A lot of people don’t know it, but Jackie was under a three-year gag order,” said former Dodgers hurler Carl Erskine, a Brooklyn teammate. “Mr. Rickey told him if a black player got into any fights, this would destroy the effort. He was to say nothing; no retaliation, physically, verbally, nothing. That was remarkable.”

Robinson knew his fight was bigger than baseball, Erskine says. Trophies and championships were fine. “But I remember Jackie saying, ‘That’s not why I’m here,’” Erskine recalled. “He understood that what he was doing was going to be good for his whole race. He started the momentum for civil rights a decade before it came on the scene. Baseball was a vehicle.”

Mark 15 – The Trail

Jesus’ trial began in Mark 15 in front of the religious leaders who had accused Him of blasphemy and sent him to the Roman authorities. The hearings before Jewish authorities showed the extent to which the Jewish leaders hated Him because they carelessly dismissed many of their laws. Pilate found no reason to kill Jesus, so he sent Him to Herod to avoid any political responsibility. The trials of Jesus represent the ultimate mockery of justice. Jesus, the most innocent man in the history of the world, was found guilty of crimes and sentenced to death by crucifixion.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete take comfort from knowing Jesus experienced injustice and responded by submitting to the will of God, who will judge every soul. They speak the truth in love and wait for God’s will to be done.

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 – He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give Him the Throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and there will be no end of His kingdom. Luke 1:32-33 LSB

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