College football’s upcoming Championship Weekend is expected to be crazy, as eight teams still have hope they will make it to the College Football Playoff.

Last night the selection committee announced their latest rankings, which have Clemson, Auburn, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin positioned 1-4. If each of them wins their Conference Campionship, they should remain selected for the Playoff.

We know how unpredictable sports can be, so teams on the outside looking in still have a chance to get in…but they will need help.

Right now Alabama, Georgia, Miami, and Ohio State are ranked 5-8 and are separated from the Playoff. Each of these teams would need the right scenario and combination of teams winning and losing in order to bridge the gap.

Teams 5-8, but especially Alabama (since they aren’t playing) are heading into the weekend relying on someone else to lose, which in turn opens the door for them to have a way in.

With so much still up in the air, it’s going to be fascinating to watch who gets left out and who helps someone else make it in.

Doesn’t this sound a lot like the Gospel? We are all separated from God because of our sin (our record), and on our own we can’t make it into heaven.

As Romans 3:23 (ESV) puts it, “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…”

Thankfully, we have an advocate and someone willing to lose on our behalf so that we have a way into eternity with God. We still have a chance to “get in”…but we need help.

That’s why Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. His selfless act opened the door for us to be forgiven of our sins and to have access to our Almighty God. Jesus’ “loss” bridged the gap and removed the separation we once had.

Our resume on its own is never going to be good enough, but we can rely on Jesus’ righteousness and payment of sin to have hope and peace in knowing we are no longer separated from God.

The Bible says in 1 Timothy 2:5-6 (NLT), “For, there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave His life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.”

This weekend as we enjoy the Championship games, and debate all the various scenarios for the way teams get into the Playoff, let’s be reminded of how Jesus lost His life so we could find life in and through Him.

We rely on Jesus for providing a way to “get in,” and need to remember He did what we could never do on our own. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m so thankful that You sent Jesus to die on my behalf. Despite my sin and separation from You, You made a way for me to know You and be with You for eternity. Thank you for the grace and forgiveness You’ve provided through Jesus. In His name, I pray, Amen.