The New York Knicks had a chance to bring their first NBA title to the city in 1970, but they needed Willis Reed to make one of the greatest sacrificial efforts in sports history to do it. Reed averaged 32 points, and the series was tied 2-2. In Game 5, Reed tore a muscle in his leg and was forced to make an early exit and miss the next game. Tied 3-3, the Knicks expected to play the crucial Game 7 without their MVP captain. Reed refused to be idle, so he received a painkiller injection into his thigh and limped to the court. The inspirational and emotional rush of having their captain on the floor boosted his teammate’s confidence and led to their first NBA championship.

“When I saw that,” Knicks guard Walt Frazier said, “something told me we might have these guys.” The inspirational and emotional rush of having their captain on the floor boosted his teammate’s confidence and led to their first NBA championship.

John 19 – The Ultimate Sacrifice

The greatest sports movies all share the willing sacrificial efforts of a coach or team as their theme. None of these begin to compare with the sacrifice Jesus made in John 19. Crucifixion was considered the cruelest execution possible. The Romans reserved it for slaves and the worst criminals. Cicero wrote, “To bind a Roman citizen is a crime, to flog him is an abomination, to slay him is almost an act of murder: to crucify him is—what? There is no fitting word that can possibly describe so horrible a deed.”

Jesus’ crucifixion took place during the Passover celebration. He died as the lamb of God (John 1:29, 36). The blood of lambs had spared the Israelites when the destroyer invaded the land of Egypt. John wrote in 1 John 1:7, “The blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” Jesus died for us. The ultimate sacrifice! We all have committed sins, and we are all worthy of death, but Christ took our place. He was publicly executed, and His blood was shed on our behalf.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete believe Jesus was crucified to pay for their sins so that they could be forgiven and made right with God.

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 – But He [Jesus] said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has set by His own authority, but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and even the end of the Earth.” Acts 1:7-8 LSB

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute on Sacrifice