Jesus Gave Them the Words of the Father

You know, in sports, communication is everything. A coach gives instructions, a quarterback calls a play, a catcher sends a signal. If you don’t listen—if you don’t follow what’s been said—you’re out of sync, out of position, and usually out of the game.

Jesus, in His final moments before the cross, prayed to the Father in John 17. And in verse 8, He says something that ought to hit every athlete who desires to follow Christ:

“For I have given them the words that You gave Me, and they have received them…” (John 17:8)

That’s our focus today. Jesus didn’t just do the Father’s will—He spoke the Father’s words. And if we’re going to live like Jesus, we’ve got to learn to do the same. Whether it’s in a locker room, on the field, or in everyday life—we’ve got to be people who receive and relay the Word of God.

I. JESUS WAS A MESSENGER OF THE FATHER’S WORD
Jesus said, “I have given them the words You gave Me.”

Let’s make that simple: Jesus didn’t speak on His own. Every word He shared was from the Father. He was faithful not just to do God’s will, but to speak God’s truth.

“My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me.” (John 7:16)

Athletes, the same way you trust your coach’s playbook and voice—Jesus trusted the Father’s Word. And He delivered it with clarity, boldness, and consistency.

Let me ask you…
    •    Whose voice are you echoing on and off the field?
   •    Are you speaking God’s Word in your relationships, your texts, your locker room conversations?
    •    Or are you just repeating what culture or emotion is telling you?

“Nothing but the full message of the Gospel is worth preaching. Anything else is a waste of time.” – Chuck Smith

II. TRUE DISCIPLES RECEIVE THE WORD
Jesus said, “…they have received them…” That word “receive” means they didn’t just hear the words—they took them in, owned them, believed them.

In sports, there’s a difference between hearing your coach and actually running the play. The disciples didn’t just nod; they received the message and acted on it.

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22)

Receiving the Word requires humility and action.

Imagine a player who ignores every instruction during practice—then wonders why they’re benched on game day. That’s a picture of someone who hears but doesn’t receive.

In Isaiah 30:20–21, God speaks of a people who once ignored His Word but would again listen: “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it.’”

God is still speaking. The question is--are you listening?

III. WE ARE CALLED TO PASS ON WHAT WE RECEIVE
Jesus gave what He received. That’s discipleship. That’s evangelism.

It’s not about having a platform—it’s about being faithful. You don’t have to know everything. You just share what God is showing you.

“Freely you have received; freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)

Athletes, imagine if each of us started sharing one Scripture a week with a teammate or coach. Just one verse that impacted us. That’s how revival starts—not with a mic, but with a mouth willing to speak God’s truth.

IV. GOD WANTS TO SPEAK TO YOU
Isaiah 30:21 is a game-changer: “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it.’”

God desires to speak into your decisions, your direction, your identity. He wants to coach you from the inside through His Spirit.

Jesus told us in John 16:13: “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.”​

Don’t underestimate the power of God’s voice. He wants to lead you through His Word, and He wants to use you to speak His Word into the lives of others.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:
    •    Are you regularly spending time in God’s Word to hear His voice?
    •    Are you open to letting God speak through you, even if it’s uncomfortable?
    •    Who in your team needs to hear a word of truth and encouragement from you this week?

V. GOSPEL CONNECTION – THE WORD BECAME FLESH
John 1:14 says: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us…”

Jesus wasn’t just a speaker of truth—He was the Truth. He didn’t just teach life—He gave His life. The greatest Word He ever spoke was from the cross:

“It is finished.” (John 19:30)

If you’ve never received the words of life—**that Jesus died for your sins, rose again, and offers you new life—**then today is the day.

Jesus spoke the words of the Father so you could become a child of the Father.

Understand… If you want to be a spiritual leader on your team, start here: receive the Word, live the Word, and speak the Word.

Don’t underestimate what God can do through a life surrendered to His voice.

“You may be the only Bible some people ever read.” – Howard Hendricks
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This week, take what God gives you and give it away. In conversations, prayers, encouragement—be a voice for the Father’s Word.

CLOSING PRAYER
Father, Thank You that You are not silent. You speak through Your Word, through Your Spirit, and through Your Son. Thank You for giving us the words of life through Jesus. Help us not only to receive them but to live them and share them. Give these athletes boldness to speak truth, courage to stand firm, and humility to listen for Your voice. May their lives echo the voice of their Heavenly Coach. And for anyone who hasn’t yet trusted in Christ, draw them to You today through the power of Your living Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now go live like Jesus—and speak like Jesus!

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