This past weekend, the Basketball Hall of Fame announced the latest class of inductees, which includes Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett along with the legendary Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs. Duncan is arguably the best power forward of all time as he spent his entire 19-year playing career with the Spurs and is now an assistant coach for the team. When you hear people talk about the quiet, humble, and accomplished player, respectful compliments and honoring statements are given because of his play on the floor and for the way he carried himself. NBA commissioner Adam Silver once said, “His understated selflessness made him the ultimate teammate.” Although Duncan will go down as one of the greatest players to ever step on a basketball court, he wasn’t the type of star who made it about him. You never heard him complaining about his minutes or his number of shots or even his salary. He didn’t make demands but instead took less money so the team could add other players, while also being loyal and not self-centered. Duncan was always one of the best, but he didn’t have to remind the media of that or point to the crowd to make sure they knew how great he was (like so many do). He was about winning and playing his role within the team. Tim Duncan is known for being a truly selfless player. Wall Street Journal’s Jason Gay wrote, “Toward the end, Duncan was used less, but he always mattered. He would have mattered if he played until he was 60. He was the center of that selfless Spurs universe. He fit in with whatever San Antonio wanted to do, with whomever they brought in, and he departs his franchise in very competitive condition.” Duncan wasn’t necessarily the fans' favorite player to watch, but everyone respected him because his selflessness is something to be admired. People who care about others and think beyond themselves aren’t easy to come by, but they are the ones we are easily drawn to and want to be around. I’m not surprised that Duncan’s teammates loved playing with him. Duncan’s demeanor and approach is a worthy example and a challenge for us to consider in our own lives. Are we more selfless or selfish? Do we only think about our happiness or do we consider contributing to someone else’s? Do we always make sure our voice is heard or do we listen to others? Do we take a step back and let another person shine and get credit for something or do we always demand recognition? The Bible tells us to “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4; ESV). Today on Good Friday, we remember Jesus' death on the cross and the reality that He suffered on our behalf as He laid down His life. Mark 10:45 (NLT) says, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.” His demonstration of love and His willingness to be the ultimate sacrifice and substitute for us is the epitome of selflessness. John 15:13 (NLT) proclaims, "There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." In response to that, let's pursue a life that is marked by our selflessness as we die to our selfish desires, live with humility, and love others sacrificially. 1 John 3:16 (NLT) explains, "We know what real love is because Jesus gave up His life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters." Today, let's reflect on the selflessness that took place on Good Friday when Jesus willingly gave His life for us. Enjoy the weekend as we celebrate His resurrection! I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for the days and moments that I’m filled with selfishness. Please give me a heart that puts others ahead of my selfish desires. Give me the strength to be selfless and humble. Thank you, Jesus, for Your selfless and sacrificial love. Thank you for the free gift of grace You've given me. I pray this in the powerful name of Jesus, my Lord, and Savior, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What comes to mind as you contemplate the selflessness of Good Friday and the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf?
In what ways can you practically lay down your life in selfless and sacrificial love toward others?
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