The movie “Rudy,” tells the story of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, a kid from the southwest suburbs of Chicago. After years of struggles, he fulfilled his dream of playing football for the University of Notre Dame.

The pinnacle of the film focuses on the final plays of Rudy’s senior year. Inserted into the game for the first time ever in the last seconds, he sacked the Georgia Tech quarterback He was carried off the field by his teammates following the 24-3 victory—the first Notre Dame player to ever be carried off the field.

Rudy Ruettiger’s true-life story is an example of someone maximizing their God-given talents. That’s one of the reasons his movie has remained popular for so many years. Every ounce of sweat Rudy spilled to pursue his dream of playing for Notre Dame came at a price. He was driven by his desire or goal to play football at Notre Dame.

Mark 12 – Sacrificial Giving

Long before Rudy, there was another person who demonstrated even greater sacrifice in Mark 12. Jesus tells the story of the poor widow who humbly and sacrificially gave to God above her means. While Rudy was motivated to pursue his personal goals, the poor widow’s story helps us understand that every Christian who truly understands the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf realizes they can’t help but give all of themselves to Him in gratitude and service.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete model sincere devotion to the Lord by giving out of their need, not their surplus. Their commitment is unreserved as they sacrifice from a grateful heart. They know God doesn’t measure their gift by the monetary value but by the relative sacrifice of the giver.

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 sitting down, He [Jesus] called the twelve and said to them, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.'” Mark 9:35 LSB

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