The Last Dance

Imagine being a kid, full of dreams and aspirations, watching your idol, Michael Jordan, dominate the basketball court. His moves were unmatched, his leadership undeniable, and his success legendary. Six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and countless accolades—he is, without a doubt, the greatest basketball player of all time. But then, out of nowhere, you get the call. You’re chosen. You get to play alongside Michael Jordan, not just as a teammate, but as a mentor, a friend, and a coach. It’s beyond what you ever thought possible. You’re standing next to greatness, learning from the best.

Now, let’s flip the script: In this analogy, Jesus is Michael Jordan in our lives.

For me, this is what it feels like to walk through life with Jesus by my side. He’s not just someone I read about in a book or call on in my hardest moments. He’s right there with me, guiding me, teaching me, and challenging me to be better every day. He’s my teammate, my coach, my mentor—the ultimate presence in my life.

Let’s talk about Michael Jordan for a second. MJ’s accolades speak for themselves: Six NBA championships. Five MVP awards. Two Olympic gold medals. He’s considered by many to be the greatest player to ever play the game. His legacy isn’t just in the trophies he’s won, but in the way he inspired greatness in others. His ability to rise above pressure, to overcome adversity, and to lead his team to victory time and time again is legendary. His will to win is unmatched.

Now, when we compare this to Jesus, we see the same undeniable greatness, but in a far more profound way. Jesus is the ultimate champion, the undefeated conqueror. The Bible tells us that Jesus has already won the greatest victory: He conquered death itself. He overcame the grave. He rose from the dead, defeating the powers of sin and darkness forever. “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Jesus isn’t just the greatest—He is the victorious One. He is our ultimate champion. Just like MJ led his teams to championship after championship, Jesus has led us to victory over sin and death. He’s already claimed the ultimate title, the greatest win of all, and now He invites us to be part of His team.

I spent much of my life trying to prove my worth, just like many of us do. I thought if I just worked harder, achieved more, and got better, maybe I’d finally be enough. But no matter how many goals I hit or milestones I reached, I always felt empty. It was like I was playing a game with no real end in sight, always chasing something that could never fulfill me.

But when Jesus became my “Michael Jordan,” everything changed.

I didn’t have to prove myself anymore. Just like having MJ as a teammate, I no longer had to face the court alone. Jesus had already won the hardest game—the one against sin and death. His victory on the cross has already paved the way for us. He’s not just a coach telling me to keep going; He’s a victor who has already secured the ultimate win. As it says in John 16:33, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

And that’s the beauty of having Jesus as my teammate. He doesn’t just help me navigate life’s challenges—He’s already overcome them. He’s been through the struggles, faced the darkness, and emerged victorious. And now He’s by my side, helping me win battles that I could never win on my own.

Just like MJ wouldn’t just pass you the ball and say, “Go win,” Jesus doesn’t just leave you to figure life out by yourself. He’s there every step of the way, showing you the ropes, offering advice when you’re unsure, and helping you develop your skills. He teaches me that true victory isn’t found in a scoreboard or in what the world measures—it’s found in Him. His victory is eternal, and it’s the kind of win that doesn’t fade or disappoint. As Romans 8:37 reminds us, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

Having Jesus as my “MJ” isn’t just about winning battles; it’s about understanding what true victory looks like. Michael Jordan’s legacy will never fade. He will always be remembered as the greatest of all time. But Jesus is not only the greatest, He is the Champion who will never be surpassed, and His victory will never be undone.

In those moments when I feel the weight of life’s challenges, I think about what it would be like to have MJ right there, reminding me of my worth, my potential, and the strength I have inside. Jesus does that for me. He doesn’t just remind me of my potential—He reveals it to me, because He knows the victory He’s already secured for me.

And just like Michael Jordan’s unshakeable confidence in his ability to lead his team to victory, I can walk through life knowing that Jesus has already won the ultimate victory for me. His power, His triumph, His strength—these are what I lean on, not my own abilities. He is my strength, my champion, and my ultimate victory.

So, no matter how hard life gets, no matter how big the challenges may seem, I’m never playing this game alone. With Jesus as my Michael Jordan, I’m on the winning team. And that’s a victory that no trophy, no achievement, and no accolade could ever compare to.