Each one of us can identify individuals who have been very influential in our lives. Personally, I had two coaches in high school that were amazing examples of living out their faith in Jesus. As the years go on, I am still able to feel the impact that they had on my life. While my coaches pushed me to be a better baseball player, the most important thing they did was point me to a life with Jesus.
The world of athletics produces some of the most influential people; from impacting their schools or communities to impacting others on a global scale. But our own words and influence only provides temporary benefit to those around us.
As coaches and athletes, it is our responsibility to push others to be better in their sport. Yet, in John 3:31:32, we see John the Baptist point those around him to Jesus. John the Baptist proclaims that Jesus is from heaven and his testimony is more than anything he, John the Baptist, could offer them. This passage builds upon John the Baptist’s testimony in John 1:29-30 and Jesus affirms this by saying, “The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world” (John 6:33).
So, like John the Baptist, we must use our influence to proclaim the life-saving power of Jesus Christ.
