Clayton Castor resigned as a Michigan high school basketball coach in 2017 after he was named the best coach in his class. Castor’s main reason for leaving was the parents. Though it was the program’s highest win total in 20 years, and they advanced to the regional championship, he felt betrayed by the parents.

Castor said, “At the end of the day, the reason why I am resigning is because of the parents. I don’t want to deal with them. I really, really enjoy this. But parents have taken the fun and enjoyment right out of it. I don’t have thick enough skin or the will to put up with it. For that amount of time, it’s just not worth it.”

Combative parents who undermine and betray coaches consistently rank in the top five of Coach & Athletic Director’s annual survey of the “most concerning issues” in sports.

Luke 22 – The Ultimate Betrayal

In Luke 22, the events of the Passion Week show an example of betrayal as the religious leaders plotted to kill Jesus. Judas betrayed Jesus by helping them arrest Him away from the crowds while spending time with His disciples in the garden of Gethsemane.

The plot to arrest Jesus by evil men was the ultimate betrayal. He knew it would be His last night, but He didn’t focus on His own need for comfort. Rather, He prepared His men for the next twenty-four hours. Jesus was an example of a strong-hearted leader who withstood the pressures around Him and led others to do the same.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete provide strong leadership when the task is difficult and stay focused on serving their team regardless of the pressure. Hard times call for even greater strength from The Kingdom Coach and Athlete when leading others through hard times. They shoulder the burden of holding a team together without tolerating those who would undermine team unity.

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 – “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 LSB

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute on Vengeance is the Lord’s