Written by John Mark Adkison
I always think it is so interesting when preachers and youth ministers bring Jesus into today’s American culture. The politically conscientious preacher might start off Sunday’s sermon with a wake-up-call question such as “Would Jesus be a Republican or Democrat?” while the chai-sipping youth minister would begin his coffee-house devo with, “What lunch table at your high school would Jesus sit at?”Unfortunately, such questions are what some might call “dangerous” because they lead to intense debate and possible division (just try out the politics one and you’ll see what I mean). So, I’ll keep my question simple: What sport would Jesus play?If you were to ask me what sport I would play, the truth is Quidditch. But what about Jesus? If Jesus were an average American young adult, what athletic past time would he head for?It’s hard imagining the Prince of Peace smashing his way across the 50-yard line to tear down the quarterback. However, the King of Kings could most definitely outdo Sultan of Swat Babe Ruth when it comes to homeruns. If he could calm storms, then a rowdy golf audience would be no problem. And I would love to see him take on Venus and Serena all by himself.But the sport I can see Jesus loving is one that is not usually seen on ESPN or talked about in Sports Illustrated. I can really see Jesus running cross-country.Since I do not run cross-country, I can say this without bias. I can see him taking those long jogs through the wildernesses and gardens of Israel, contemplating his epic life and crucial mission. And then there is when Paul likens being a Christian to running a good race in 2nd Timothy 4, not looking back and striving toward what is ahead. Jesus loves metaphors and parables, and cross-country would give him a lot to work with.I think the truth is, we have no idea what Jesus would play, just like we have no idea if he would be a Republican or Democrat or at which lunch table he would sit. Jesus was a complex human being with a personality we know only a little fraction of. But sometimes it is fun to ask, “If he were walking in the flesh with us today, what would it be like?”And then we could ask him that age-old question: Is cheerleading really a sport.
