SENT

“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.

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