Coaches delivering locker room speeches pre-game, post-game, or even mid-game is a sports tradition. It happens in nearly every sport at any level. Think about a sports movie, and you probably instantly think about a great speech given by the coach or player.

“No one and I mean no one, comes into our house and pushes us around.” — Coach Devine from the movie Rudy

“And don’t forget, men, today is the day we’re gonna win. They can’t lick us—and that’s how it goes… The first platoon men—go in there and fight, fight, fight, fight! What do you say, men!” — Legendary Notre Dame Coach Knute Rockne

“If you put your effort and concentration into playing to your potential, I don’t care what the scoreboard says at the end of the game. In my book, we’re gonna be winners! OK?” — Coach Norman Dale from the movie Hoosiers

Each of these speeches leaves an audience or team hanging on every single word!

Luke 19 – More Than a Pep Talk

Luke 19 ends with the religious leaders looking to turn the crowd against Jesus, which they eventually did (Luke 23:21), but for the moment in Luke 19, it was impossible, for all the people were hanging on to every word He said (48). The Greek text literally says they were hanging on to His lips. This is a graphic metaphor to indicate they were listening carefully to every word! While we don’t know the exact words Jesus spoke to the crowd, it must have fired up them!

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete don’t just use their words to inspire or motivate their players. They also educate their athletes about the gospel and share their personal testimonies. It’s the Word of God that matters most — even more than their best pep talk.

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.

Luke 21:21-22 “Then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those who are in the midst of the city must leave, and those who are in the countryside must not enter the city; because these are days of vengeance so that all things which are written will be fulfilled.” Luke 21:21-22 LSB

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