Muhammad Ali declared himself the greatest boxer and was quoted many times praising his talent. He famously said, “I am the greatest; I said that even before I knew I was.” He also said, “It’s hard to be humble when you’re as great as I am.”

What made him so great? Toughness and style were his two main attributes. No boxer could take punches as he did. His epic “Rumble in the Jungle” bout with George Foreman was an example of his toughness. Foreman was perhaps the strongest puncher in boxing, and Ali beat him. Their fight is considered one of the most significant sports events of all time. Ali’s most famous quote is, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” This statement reflected his style, which was like no other boxer before him. He developed new techniques in boxing that made him the world champion three times. In a 2012 poll conducted on the ESPN Sports Science website, Muhammad Ali was voted the greatest boxer of all time.

John 5 – Greater Than Any Sports MVP

It’s one thing for an athlete to declare themselves as the greatest, but it’s nothing compared to the six truths Jesus made about Himself in John 5:19-30. Each of them points to the more significant claim that demands a response from all of us. Jesus claimed equality with God. We have a choice to believe or reject His declaration.

By choosing to reject His claim to deity, you only have two explanations. Either Jesus knew his claims were false, or He did not. If He lied about Himself, His behavior would be evil because it demanded others worship Him. On the other hand, someone who is only a man but truly believes themself to be God has lost his mind. If Jesus is wrong about His identity, He was not a good man nor a teacher worthy of respect.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete believe in Jesus’ claim to deity and place their faith and trust in Him for salvation. They no longer proudly trust in their own goodness or greatness but rather humbly admit their own sin and receive eternal life as a gift.

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 – “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent ME draws him, and I will raise him up on the last day.” John 6:44 LSB

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute on Surrender