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Bulletin 104 Date : 17th Jul 2007
Football Saviour

Once upon a time there was a young lad who loved football. He would go to watch his favourite team each Saturday and dream of the day when he could be one of the top players. He played in the school football team and amazed his teachers with his skill and dedication.

The day finally came when he was chose by one of the most famous national clubs to play professionally. This was his dream come true and he relished the challenge of playing alongside the best in the land. Eventually he was picked to play for the first team and his skills progressed with each game he played. Soon he was catching the attention of the national team manager and was called up to play for his country. As the years went by, his popularity increased with ordinary football supporters and was heralded as the one who would take his country to the world cup finals and be the best in the world.

His career was not without its problems. Sometimes he became frustrated with the attacks made by opposing players. How could they lower themselves to such behaviour? Football deserves better. On one occasion when playing for his country, he hit back and was sent off during a crucial match in front of the highest officials. Some fans found it hard to forgive him for this rare outburst. However, it did not stop him from becoming the captain of the national team and his popularity increased to fever pitch among the common people. Internationally he was drawing attention and even spent a time with the largest club in the world, showing by example what it means to be great.

Then came his moment of destiny. He could have picked any team in the world to play for, but instead, resisted this temptation and offered himself to one of the lowliest clubs, pledging himself to the task of redeeming them from their lowly position and using his skill and experience to make them great. Many could not understand how such a great player could humble himself for the sake of others. Were they worth it? Did they deserve it? Would he make a difference or would it be ‘pearls before swine?’

I guess by now you have identified the footballer in question and seen similarities to the life and mission of Jesus. Also you will see stark contrasts too, not least of which is the financial one. Time will tell how effective Beckham’s spell at LA Galaxy will be and whether he can truly be seen as a ‘football saviour’. However, seeing Jesus in a contemporary setting is something we all need to do.