Even if you’re not a football fan, the FIFA World Cup probably captures your attention in one way or another. Held every four years, it is the most watched sporting event in the world, attracting an even larger audience than the Summer Olympics. Out of more than 200 national teams, only 48 qualify for the final tournament, and after 104 matches, one team is crowned champion.

For billions of players and fans across the globe, World Cup victory is the ultimate achievement. Certain moments have become etched into the hearts and memories of nations, such as Maradona’s “Goal of the Century” against England in 1986, or Messi’s brilliant strike against Mexico in 2022. To share in such a victory, whether as a player or a fan, is exhilarating. And if we are honest, this kind of glory and success is something we all long to experience in some way.

Yet Jesus Christ — God himself in human form — pursued a very different kind of victory. Jesus willingly went to his death: death by crucifixion, cruel, shameful, and completely undeserved. On the night before the cross, he explained to his disciples over dinner why he chose this path:

“Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’”
Matthew 26:27–28

Jesus took up the cup of suffering and poured out his own blood for the forgiveness of sins. His victory was not winning a trophy, but paying the price for our forgiveness. And if we choose to drink from his cup — to trust in him — we can be fully assured that complete forgiveness has been won for us through Christ.

The World Cup comes and goes. Champions rise and fall. The cheers of the crowd eventually fade. But the victory of Jesus endures forever. Through his death and resurrection, he offers something no sporting triumph ever could: forgiveness, peace with God, and eternal life. The question is not whether Christ has won, but whether you will share His world cup victory?

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank you for willingly giving your life so that I could be forgiven. Thank you that your victory was won through love and sacrifice. Please help me to trust in you, receive your forgiveness, and follow you each day.
Amen.