Championship game. Season has had a few ups and downs, but we are here. Good times and bad, we have been faithful, loyal fans. Now, reward time. Stadium is rocking. It’s freezing cold with a mist in the air that gives that extra chill, but the cheering is so loud it warms the body with excitement. Quarterback has not been great, but our defense has been stellar all year. Run the ball, put up a few points, and the defense will take care of the rest. He may not be the best, but he is our quarterback! Here we go!
In Matthew 13, it was said of Jesus, “isn’t this the carpenter’s son?” They knew him as this. As just the son of Mary, and brother to James, Joseph, Simon and Judas. Then verse 57, “they were offended by him.” No hometown hero. No “he is our quarterback” here.
Game has kicked off. Stadium still rocking. Protecting the ball on offense, playing it safe. Defense is stellar. Other team can’t move the ball. “We will wear them down!” Is the feeling all around the stadium. Now it is right before the half, quarterback gets a little gutsy, throws into traffic. “Its a pick 6!” Why would you throw that right before the half? Cheers are minimized, but optimism reigns supreme as halftime comes around.
Jesus spent 3 years teaching His disciples. Training them for what would lie ahead. All the while, healing the sick, helping the poor, talking to the outcasts that most had thrown aside as the drudge of society. In Matthew 16, Jesus told His disciples, “tell no one that he was the Messiah.” Maybe a little let down here from the disciples. All the healing, all the miracles. Lets announce and shout to the highest in praise to all for our Messiah. No, Jesus told His disciples, “It was necessary for Him to go to Jerusalem and suffer many things.” Peter wanted to hear nothing of this! “Oh no, Lord! This will never happen to you!”
2nd half kickoff. Our ball. Let’s regroup and get going! 1st play from scrimmage, another pick 6! How do you prep during halftime and come out with that play! Disgruntlement and even a few boos start to echo around the stadium. Defense hasn’t allowed them to move and the offense gives up 2 quick touchdowns. Game moves on into the 4th quarter. Defense lights out. Managed to tie the game up late in the 4th. Stadium is rocking. We have the ball. Driving down for game winning touchdown or field goal.
Jesus enters Jerusalem, humbly on a donkey. Shouts of Hosanna! Hosanna! (Praise and joy!) This is the moment the disciples were waiting for. Our Lord has come to save us from this oppression that is Rome! We are saved here and forever! Hosanna! Hosanna!
We’re driving down the field. This is awesome! Those earlier boos are now filled with utmost excitement. Cold and mist are not even a thought. How great is this! Ball snapped, QB drops back….. its picked again! This time it’s not run all the way back. But the other team is already in field goal range. Boos can be heard much clearer now. All of a sudden… it’s cold and misty. The clock runs down, field goal is up, it’s good. How did this happen? We were so close. The stadium clears out. Its silence outside of a few opposing, cheering fans. “We will be back” begins to be chanted among the dispersing fans. Thats our quarterback. I am loyal to the end! Next year here we come!
Crucify him! Crucify him! Those earlier cheers have now turned cold. This was not the game plan the disciples imagined. But our Lord had the ultimate game plan all along. But when Christ died on the cross, the cold, misty air could be felt. This was not how it was supposed to happen! But Christ rose. He defeated sin. He defeated death. He paved a way to salvation for all to believe and follow. Eternal salvation.
Even after a heartbreaking end to a season, many will pack stadiums the next year. Sit in the freezing cold. Shell out hard earned money. Sit in traffic. Crowded city streets, parking garages, expensive food. Because hey, I need to see our quarterback. Thats my team.
Jesus died for our sins. Rose from the dead. Defeated sin. Defeated death. Won eternal salvation for all who believe. Come together to worship Him in Church with our brothers and sisters in Christ? That’s asking a lot, isn’t it? I am really busy, maybe next week.
