Coach's Corner
Warm-Up
“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was created through him, and yet the world did not recognize him.”— John 1:9–10
In this game, you will name five things that fit into a category. The catch? You have only 10 seconds to do this. Have someone count down and keep track of your score.
[Example categories: sports played without a ball, superheroes, animals that swim, foods that are green, etc.]
(Discuss each question as a group.)
- When you were asked to think of things while being timed for a short time, that’s called pressure. You just performed under pressure! How hard was it to think of things when you were being timed?
- Have you ever felt this kind of pressure in your sport? How is it similar or different?
Workout
There will be days that you will not play your best in practice or in a game, and as an athlete, it is normal to want to play better in those moments. Potential is when you know you can be better or play better. When you don’t play as well as you were hoping, you might start to feel pressure to do better.
The scoreboard isn’t everything. And your wins should not decide who you are. Who you are should be based on who God says you are. You can live a greater life when you are focused on God and care more about what He says about you than anyone else.
- How does knowing God says you are worth more than your sport make you feel?
- Do you ever feel like you only care about your sport or how you perform? How can you change this to focus on God?
The Gospel of John (a book in the Bible) shares the start of Jesus’ time on earth. Jesus had a cousin named John the Baptist who was a preacher, and he told people about Jesus. John did great things, and even though other people thought he was great, John knew someone was coming Who was greater. Who’s that person? It’s Jesus!
When I say, Who is greater, you shout out, Jesus! Who is Greater? Jesus!
As John preached about the coming of Jesus, many leaders became nervous about Jesus, who John called the greater One. They were nervous because they were used to just following rules and performing well. They thought that if they were good at their job, that meant they were a good person. But Jesus had a better way. His way? Bringing light to a dark world.
Hold up your index finger and pretend it is a light while I read the following verse
“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was created through him, and yet the world did not recognize him.”— John 1:9–10
But there was a problem: “the world did not recognize him.” Put your hands over your eyes to show that the world could not see Jesus because the didn’t know Jesus.
- Why do you think the world didn’t know Jesus when He first arrived?
- How do you think knowing Jesus better could help you?
Wrap-Up
There is more to sports than just your performance. It’s easy to forget that when you’re playing, but your life will change in a good way when you begin to play for Jesus.
Here’s how to see and apply the “Greater Potential” of Jesus:
- Greater Way. There’s a better way to reach your fullest potential. And it’s the ONLY way that will truly get you there. — John 14:6
- Greater Truth. It’s not just a greater truth. It’s THE Truth. When you believe the truth of Jesus, you will feel free from the pressure to play well. — John 8:32
- Greater Life. This is what Jesus can give you through a relationship with Him. When you focus your life on Jesus, you will feel more joy, peace and purpose. — John 10:10
Huddle up and shout out, “Greater Way! Greater Truth! Greater Life!
Close in prayer with the team.