John 17:22 – “I have given them the glory that you gave me.”

Athletes chase glory. Championships. Trophies. Legacy. It’s built into the rhythm of every game and every season. We fight. We sweat. We strive. We lift weights, run drills, watch film—all to bring glory to the name on our jersey or the team we represent.

But Jesus speaks of a different kind of glory in John 17:22. He says, “I have given them the glory that you gave me.”

Let that sink in. Jesus—Son of God, Savior of the world—says He gave His glory to us. Not earned. Not deserved. Given.

This glory is not about highlight reels or Hall of Fame inductions. It’s about being restored to the image of God, crowned with purpose, and called to reflect His greatness—both on and off the field.

Let’s break it down in three parts:
I. MAN’S BROKEN GLORY
We were made to rule with God.

Psalm 8:5–6 (ESV): “You have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands.”

God gave Adam and Eve dominion—authority—over creation. That’s glory. But sin ruined it. The image was fractured.

Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

It’s like a player who loses his jersey, gets suspended, and is taken off the team. Man lost his status, his purpose, and his place in the starting lineup of God’s creation.

Hebrews 2:8-9 explains, “At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to man. But we see Jesus…”

We’re not running the show anymore. Sin runs wild. Chaos on the field. But that verse gives us hope: We see Jesus.

Think of a player who tears his ACL. He was once the leader, the MVP, the captain. But now he’s sidelined, watching from the bench. That’s mankind—once crowned with glory, now broken. But Jesus stepped into the game to restore what was lost.

II. CHRIST’S RESTORED GLORY
Jesus didn’t just come to coach us from the sidelines. He entered the field. He played our position. And He took the hit for our penalty.

Hebrews 2:9: “Jesus… crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death.”

His crown came through the cross.

Philippians 2:9: “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name.”

Jesus’ victory didn’t come from a blowout—it came through blood, sweat, and tears. He fought death and rose again. Now all authority is His.

John 17:2: “For you granted him authority over all people…”

He’s not just Savior—He’s King. And He’s not hoarding that victory. He’s sharing it with us.

John 17:22: “I have given them the glory that you gave me.”

That’s unbelievable. Jesus restored us to the team—and gave us a championship ring we didn’t earn.

III. OUR SHARED GLORY
What does this mean for you as an athlete?

1. You are chosen to reflect His glory.

1 Peter 2:9: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood… that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness.”

Your identity isn’t found in stats, performance, or scholarships. It’s in Jesus. He has made you part of His starting lineup—a royal priesthood.

2. You are called to reign with Him.

Revelation 5:10: “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests… and they will reign on the earth.”

You were created to reign—not to live defeated. And not just someday in heaven--now. Right now, on your team, in your school, you’re called to lead with integrity, strength, and humility.

2 Timothy 2:12: “If we endure, we will also reign with him.”

So press on. Don’t quit. The King is watching.

3. You are equipped to share His glory.

Jesus didn’t just glorify Himself—He shared it. That’s how discipleship works. We don’t keep the light—we pass it on.

Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Every locker room, every huddle, every practice—those are places where you can reflect God’s glory. Not just with words, but with actions, effort, and honor.

Let me ask you:
    •    Are you chasing your own glory or living for Christ’s?
    •    How are you using your influence to lift up others?
    •    Are you building your identity on stats and success, or on Jesus’ victory?
    •    What does it look like for you to share God’s glory with your teammates—believers and non-believers alike?

Athlete, you may be gifted. You may be driven. But if you don’t know Jesus, you’re still playing for the wrong kingdom.
 
The Bible says, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Jesus took your place on the cross, so you could take your place on His team. He forgives. He restores. He shares His glory. But you have to come to Him in faith.

John 1:12: “Yet to all who did receive him… he gave the right to become children of God.”

If you’ve never made that decision, today’s the day. Receive Him. Repent of your sin. Start walking in the glory He offers.

CLOSING PRAYER:
“Lord Jesus, thank You for stepping into our brokenness. Thank You for going to the cross, wearing the crown of thorns so You could give us the crown of glory. We confess we’ve chased the wrong kind of glory. We’ve tried to earn it, prove it, protect it. But today, we surrender it all to You. Use us to reflect Your glory—to our teammates, coaches, classmates, and communities. Make us humble in victory, faithful in training, and bold in sharing Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

John 17:19 – “For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.”

Opening Prayer
Lord, we thank You for Jesus—our perfect Savior, our ultimate example. As we open Your Word, speak to our hearts. Set us apart for Your purpose. Help us to live lives of commitment and dedication, like Christ. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Athletes understand what it means to be “set apart.” It’s what happens when someone devotes themselves to greatness. They train while others relax. They focus while others drift. And they do it because they want to win.

Jesus used the same kind of language when He prayed in John 17:19:
“For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.”

The word “sanctify” means to set apart, to dedicate, to purify. It’s the language of total commitment. Jesus is saying, “I’m setting myself apart for the mission… so they can be set apart for God too.”

In sports, we say, “You reproduce what you are.” Jesus is the ultimate example of this. He sanctified Himself so that we could become like Him.

1. Jesus Lived a Life Set Apart (Sanctified)
Jesus didn’t just die for us—He lived a perfect life for us.

Here’s what Scripture says about His sinless life:
    •    2 Corinthians 5:21 – “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us…”
    •    1 Peter 2:22 – “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
    •    1 John 3:5 – “In him is no sin.”

Jesus didn’t come into this world and try to avoid sin just enough to get by. He walked in full obedience to the Father—all the way to the cross.

And why? For us. “For them I sanctify myself.”

Oswald Chambers wrote, “The holiness of Jesus is the expression of His oneness with the Father.”

Ask yourself, what are you setting yourself apart for? Is it just a championship? Is it just for personal gain? Or are you being sanctified for something eternal?

2. The Power of Example: We Reproduce What We Are
Jesus understood a principle found all the way back in Genesis 1:11, 21—everything reproduces after its kind.

So He sanctifies Himself so that His followers would be sanctified—set apart too.

You can’t pass on what you don’t possess.

In other words, if your life isn’t set apart, don’t expect those following you—your teammates, friends, or younger athletes—to live any differently.

What would your teammates say your life is set apart for? Personal glory or God’s glory?

3. Jesus’ Game Plan of Sanctification
Let’s walk through six simple words that describe how Jesus approached His calling—and how we can too. This is how sanctification shows up in everyday life. Think of it like your training plan for a holy life:

W – Willingly
John 10:18 – “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.”

Jesus chose the cross. He wasn’t forced into obedience—He embraced it.

Are you willing to lay down comfort, reputation, and popularity for Christ? Sanctification starts with saying “yes” to God before you even know the full cost.

I – Intentionally
Luke 9:51 – “Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.”

He knew the cross was coming. He didn’t avoid it—He headed straight toward it.

Are you moving toward God’s calling with purpose? Or are you drifting?

L – Lovingly
1 John 3:16 – “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.”

Jesus’ sanctification wasn’t just about obedience—it was driven by love.

Are you loving your teammates sacrificially? Are you the kind of player who lifts others up—even when it costs you?

C – Courageously
Romans 8:36–37 – “We are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

Jesus faced betrayal, suffering, and the cross--and He didn’t flinch.

Think of a linebacker staring down the opposing team’s best running back. Courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s facing what’s coming because you know who’s got your back.

E – Entrusted
1 Peter 2:23 – “He entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”

Jesus didn’t fight back. He didn’t try to defend Himself. He trusted His Father.

Who do you trust when life goes sideways? When you’re benched? When you’re hurt? Trusting God is part of being sanctified.

E – Endured
Hebrews 12:2 – “For the joy set before him, he endured the cross.”

Jesus’ focus wasn’t just on the pain—it was on what was beyond the pain. He saw the victory ahead.

Craig Groeschel says, “When you know your why, you’ll endure any how.”

What joy lies beyond your suffering today? Are you willing to endure for that joy?

4. The Gospel: His Sanctification Brings Our Salvation
Jesus sanctified Himself for you. His life of perfect obedience, His sinless walk, His loving sacrifice—it was all to make a way for you to be sanctified too.

You’re not just saved to sit on the sidelines. You’re saved to step into a set-apart life.
    •    Romans 5:19 – “Through the obedience of one man, many will be made righteous.”
    •    John 1:29 – “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

If you’ve never trusted Jesus, today is the day to do it.

If you’re ready to follow Jesus—to trust in His sanctified life and His perfect sacrifice—you can pray right now:

“Jesus, thank You for setting Yourself apart for me. I trust in Your life, Your death, and Your resurrection. Cleanse me. Set me apart for Your purpose. Make me Yours. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Teammate, let me ask you: Are you willing to live sanctified?

To live willingly, intentionally, lovingly, courageously, entrusted, and enduringly?

Let this define your training—on the field and in life. Because if your life is set apart, others will see Jesus through you.

Closing Prayer
Father, we thank You for the example of Jesus. Thank You that He sanctified Himself for us. Help us now to live lives set apart—on our teams, in our schools, in our homes. Make us holy, not just in words but in action. Let us willingly and courageously follow You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let’s go out and live like Jesus—set apart for God, strong in purpose, and faithful in action.

“As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.” John 17:18

1. GETTING YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME: “You’ve Got a Purpose”

Guys, we all know that on this team, everyone has a role. Whether you’re the quarterback, a backup lineman, or special teams guy, you’re not just out here wearing the jersey—you’re here for a reason. And today, I want to remind you: God has put you on His team for a reason too.

In John 17:18, Jesus says, “As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.”

That means you aren’t just saved to sit on the sidelines. You’re sent to the field—to live, love, and lead like Jesus. God is a sending God, and each of us is His sent one.

2. THE PLAYBOOK: SCRIPTURE & TRUTH

A. Jesus was Sent—So Are We
Jesus talks about being sent over 40 times in the Gospel of John.
That’s not just repetition—that’s identity.

John 4:34 – “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me.”
John 6:38 – “I have come down from heaven not to do My will but the will of Him who sent Me.”

That tells us something: Jesus lived like a man on a mission. Everything He did—how He spoke, who He spent time with, where He went—was driven by His “sent-ness.”

KEY WORD: Sent (Greek: apostellō)
Means “to dispatch with a purpose.” You don’t get sent for nothing.

B. Sent Just Like Jesus
Jesus didn’t just come to earth and sit in the temple. He walked the streets, ate with outcasts, wept with the hurting, taught the crowds, healed the sick, and ultimately, gave His life.

“As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you.” – John 20:21

So what does that mean for us as athletes? It means:
    •    You don’t just go to practice—you’re sent to your team.
    •    You don’t just walk the halls at school—you’re sent there to show Christ.
    •    You don’t just play games—you’re sent to glorify God through competition.

3. THE HUDDLE:
Let me give you a few biblical examples:
    •    Abraham – Sent to a land he’d never seen (Genesis 12).
    •    Isaiah – Responded to God’s call with, “Here I am. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8).
    •    Jonah – Tried to run from God’s call, but couldn’t escape His mission (Jonah 1).
    •    The Disciples – Jesus sent them out two by two (Mark 6:7), and later gave them the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19–20).

Howard Hendricks once said, “The only thing you can take to heaven with you is people.”

In football terms, it’s like being called into the game. The coach doesn’t put you in so you can stand still—you go in to make plays. And God has called you into the game—into His Kingdom mission.

There was a high school running back in Texas—a five-star recruit, fast, strong, the real deal. But something changed between junior and senior year. He started leading his teammates in prayer after practice. He shared Bible verses on social media. One of his teammates said, “He doesn’t just want to win games—he wants to change lives.”

That’s what it looks like to understand you’re sent.

He wasn’t perfect. But he understood that his platform was his mission field.

Tony Evans said, “You are not saved to sit. You are saved to serve.”

4. THE GRIND: WHAT IT WILL COST YOU
Being sent isn’t always easy. Jesus left heaven, took on human flesh, and endured rejection, temptation, and the cross.

Philippians 2:7–8 – “He made Himself nothing… and humbled Himself… even to death on a cross.”

Being sent might cost you:
    •    Popularity
    •    Comfort
    •    Opportunities to fit in with the crowd
    •    People talking behind your back

But listen: It’s worth it!

“Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory…” – 2 Cor. 4:17

5. THE LOCKER ROOM CHALLENGE
God isn’t calling you to be famous.
He’s calling you to be faithful.

You are sent:
    •    To represent Jesus to your teammates
    •    To share hope with classmates who feel lost
    •    To play for a bigger purpose than a scoreboard

Let me ask you:
    •    Who has God placed around you that needs to see Jesus through your life?
    •    Are you living like a “sent one,” or just showing up?
    •    How would your choices, habits, or conversations change if you remembered God sent you here for a reason?

6. YOU’RE INVITED TO JOIN THE MISSION
Maybe you’ve never made the decision to follow Jesus.
Listen—Jesus was sent to rescue you.

“This is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” – John 17:3

He died for your sins, rose from the grave, and now invites you into His Kingdom and His mission. You don’t have to wander aimlessly. You can live with purpose—as a sent one, just like Jesus.

7. CLOSING PRAYER
Father, thank You for sending Jesus to rescue us. Thank You for calling us, not just to be spectators, but participants in Your mission. Help us live every day with purpose—as sent ones. Give us boldness in the locker room, on the field, and in the classroom. Use us to reveal You to others. We surrender today to Your call: ‘Here I am. Send me.’ In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Who are three people on your team or in your school you believe God has “sent” you to love, serve, and influence? Pray for them daily and take one step toward encouraging them this week.

Let’s not just play the game—let’s live the mission. You are sent.

John 17:12 – “While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe…”

You ever watch a great coach during a game? He’s not just yelling plays—he’s scanning the field, reading body language, seeing who’s rattled, who’s locked in. He’s calling timeouts at just the right moments. He’s protecting his players—not just from the opponent, but sometimes from themselves.

In John 17:12, Jesus said: “While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me.”

This is no pregame talk. This is Jesus, praying to the Father before going to the cross. And what’s on His heart? His team. His disciples. He’s saying, “Father, I’ve guarded them. I’ve protected them. I kept them safe.”

Let’s break that down and see how Jesus protects His people—then and now. And how we, as athletes, can live under that protection and pass it on to others.

1. Jesus Guards Like a Shepherd
Jesus didn’t just coach His disciples—He shepherded them.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” – John 10:11

In the Greek, the words Jesus uses in John 17:12—tereo and phylasso—both mean to watch, guard, protect carefully. Think of a fortress with guards at every gate.

That’s how Jesus watched over His disciples. Not casually. Not halfway. But intentionally. Diligently. Lovingly.

In the ancient world, shepherds would literally sleep at the gate of the sheep pen. No one got in without going through the shepherd.

“I am the gate… whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.” – John 10:9

Jesus is still doing that today. He’s standing at the gate of your heart. He’s not just trying to make your life successful—He’s guarding your soul.

Are you allowing Him to shepherd you? Or are you trying to run the game plan on your own?

2. Jesus Protects Through His Teaching
Jesus didn’t just defend physically—He protected spiritually through truth.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32

When He taught His disciples, He wasn’t giving motivational speeches—He was giving life-saving truth. He warned them about pride, greed, persecution, and the dangers of chasing the world.

Matthew 5:11–12 – “Blessed are you when people insult you… for great is your reward in heaven.”

Matthew 6:19–21 – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…”
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Before sending them out, Jesus said: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.” – Matthew 10:16

Like a good coach reviewing film, Jesus knew what the opposition looked like. He wasn’t caught off guard, and He didn’t want His players to be either.

Are you letting God’s Word coach you? Are you studying His playbook—the Bible—like your life depends on it?

Hebrews 4:12 tells us His Word is living, active, and sharper than any sword. It exposes our hearts, corrects our thinking, and keeps us safe.

3. Jesus Protects Through His Actions
In Mark 6:45, Jesus tells His disciples to get in a boat and head out across the lake--immediately.

Why? Because the crowds were worked up. Herod had just killed John the Baptist. Jesus knew danger was coming. So He protected His team by moving them out.

Even at the arrest in John 18, Jesus steps forward and says: “If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” – John 18:8

Jesus always steps between us and danger. The ultimate protection came at the cross, when He stepped between us and God’s judgment on sin.

Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

That’s not just a coach. That’s a Savior.

Let me ask you… Are you trusting in Jesus not only for direction, but for your salvation? Or are you still trying to protect and save yourself?

4. Jesus Protects with His Promises
Listen to what Jesus said in John 10:28–30: “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand… My Father is greater than all…”

His protection doesn’t expire at the final whistle. It’s eternal.

Proverbs 18:10 says: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

In John 17, Jesus prays: “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name…” – John 17:11
“… by that name you gave me.” – John 17:12

The “name” refers to God’s nature—His character. That’s what secures you. Not your stats, not your hustle, not your reputation. His character.

“God never made a promise too good to be true.” – D.L. Moody

Are you running to the Name of Jesus—or are you depending on your own strength?
You may be on a team, but are you on His team?

Jesus didn’t come to recruit perfect players—He came to rescue broken ones. He didn’t just come to coach you up—He came to carry you through.

If you’ve never given your life to Jesus, today is the day. He died for your sins, rose again, and now offers you the protection of His presence and the promise of eternal life.

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” – Romans 10:13

Will you call on His name today?

    •    Are you living under the protection of Jesus?
    •    Are you trusting His Word, leaning on His presence, standing in His promises?
    •    Are you protecting your teammates by praying for them, correcting them, guiding them?

Live like Jesus. Protect like Jesus.

Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being our Good Shepherd. Thank You for protecting us—through Your Word, Your actions, Your correction, and Your promises. Help us to rest in Your care. Make us strong in You and teach us to lead others under Your protection. Help us love our teammates enough to guard them in truth. In Your name we pray, Amen.

Get this… The best players don’t just fight for stats—they fight for their team. Jesus fought for you. Live like Him. Trust His protection. And guard others with His love.