On the Winning Team – June 14, 2024

[Jesus said] If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself it cannot stand.
Mark 3:24,25

On the Winning Team

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

They were brothers, but they did not have much in common. Landon was studious and loved music. Logan loved sports and being with his friends. When it came to neighborhood games, Logan was always the captain. Everyone wanted to be on his team. But as he chose his team, he did not pick the fastest or strongest. First, he chose his brother, for he did not want to see Landon left behind.

Like the brothers, you and your brother—Jesus, are very different. In the game of life, we mess up often. Our sins are many. It’s easier to love ourselves than others. We even betray each other when it is convenient.

Jesus was the complete opposite. In the game of life, he played the perfect game. He lived perfectly—never a selfish cry, never a lazy day, never an unkind word to a friend. Never a bad thought, word, or action—He chose you to be on his team. He did not choose you because you can help him win. He did not choose you because you can add value to his team. He chose you because he loves you. He didn’t want you left behind. So he put his name, Christian, on your jersey. To this day, Jesus still is our best big brother. On our best days and worst days, he loves us the same. His loyalty to us never wavers.

Most important is this: Jesus’ love to keep our team united and strong. Logan and Landon were on the same team—sometimes they won games, but sometimes they lost. When Jesus chose you for his team, he put you on the team that always wins. Sometimes, it may look like a nail-biter. With all the evil in the world, it may sometimes even look like Jesus’s team is way behind. Satan, the captain of the other team, looks powerful. But he is not winning. His evil team is not winning. Here’s why: today’s Bible passage tells us that Satan and his house cannot stand. Jesus was stronger than Satan! When Jesus lived and died perfectly, when he rose again, he defeated Satan’s team—all by himself!

Congratulations, because of Jesus, you’re on the winning team! Stand with Jesus and play on his team, the devil cannot beat us.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for choosing us to be on your team. Forgive us for our many mistakes. Give us strength to bring honor to your name. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What makes for a good teammate?
• Jesus is our perfect teammate—how can we be good teammates to each other?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Our Bible reading tells us that a house divided cannot stand. What are the things that divide your house?
• What unites us because of Jesus?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Even the best athlete makes mistakes. Even the best Christian sins. What exactly qualifies you to be on the Jesus’ team?
• Give at least two reasons why being on Jesus’ team brings you comfort in this life.