In the world of sports, the term G.O.A.T., short for Greatest Of All Time, is a coveted title. It’s reserved for legends, those whose skill, dominance, and legacy have left an indelible mark on their sport. Michael Jordan in basketball. Serena Williams in tennis. Tom Brady in football. Usain Bolt in Track. Muhammad Ali in boxing. Simone Biles in gymnastics. Pele and in Soccer. Ruth in Baseball. These names are etched in history books, praised by analysts, and revered by fans. They broke records, raised standards, and redefined greatness.
But as believers, we are called to consider a different standard. One that transcends stats, trophies, and human applause. If we look at the title “G.O.A.T..” through a spiritual lens, there is one who stands unmatched: Jesus Christ, the true and ultimate Greatest of all time.
Every earthly G.O.A.T. paid a price, grueling hours of training, immense discipline, overcoming setbacks, and battling critics. Their greatness came with scars. But Jesus paid the ultimate price. He didn't just train for a title, He laid down His life and not for himself but for the entire world. Isaiah 53:5 says, “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities…” His greatness was not in performance, but in sacrifice. While athletes strive for medals, Jesus embraced a cross that had no glory for Him but redemption for others.
Earthly champions boast impressive stats as in points per game, medals won, and records broken. But the greatness of Christ isn’t measured in number of medals or accolades garnered, but rather His greatness is measured in lives transformed.
- He healed the sick (Matthew 4:24).
- He forgave sins (Mark 2:5-12).
- He raised the dead (John 11:43-44).
- He conquered death itself (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).
No stat line can capture the eternal impact of Jesus. His scoreboard isn’t found in arenas, but rather it’s written in the Book of Life.
The Legacy of Greatness
Great athletes inspire millions. Their stories of resilience and excellence spark passion across generations. But Jesus didn’t just influence history, He split it in two (B.C. and A.D.). His message reached beyond stadiums into every nation, tribe, and tongue. His teachings have shaped governments, laws, moral codes, and human hearts for over 2,000 years. And while earthly G.O.A.T.s eventually fade from the spotlight as new G.O.A.T.s emerge over time, Jesus remains on the throne of His Greatness, unchallenged and eternal.
Athletes win crowns made of gold and silver, only to fade with time. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 9:25, “They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” Jesus wore a crown of thorns so that we could wear crowns of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8). He gave up glory so we could share in His.
Faith Nugget
In a world that defines greatness by fame, wealth, and accomplishment, Jesus flips the script. His definition of greatness isn’t about being served, but about serving (Matthew 20:26-28). And through His life, death, and resurrection, He opens the door for us, not just to be saved, but to walk in true spiritual greatness.
Yes, and that Greatness is a quality inherited by believers who have been adopted into the family of God, simply because through Jesus, we’re not just improved, we are reborn. Created anew in His image, with His Spirit dwelling in us, we are made new in Christ, where true greatness begins with transformation according to 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV), which tells us, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Secondly, as believers, we inherit Christ's Greatness because we receive Kingdom Identity. Romans 8:16-17 (NIV), informs us that “The Spirit himself testifies… that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs, heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ...”
As co-heirs with Christ, we share in His glory. We are royalty in the Kingdom of God, not because of pedigree, but because of grace. Our identity as sons and daughters of God makes us eternally significant.
Thirdly, we are empowered to do greater works. John 14:12 (NIV) reminds us that,
“Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these…” Therefore, through the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to heal, preach, love, forgive, and transform the world around them, just like Jesus did. His greatness flows through us.
Fourthly, we become great by serving according to Matthew 23:11 (NIV), which expressly tells us that, “The greatest among you will be your servant. ”In the Kingdom of God, humility is the path to greatness. Serving others with love, selflessness, and compassion reflects Christ’s heart and makes us great in His eyes. Not to mention the fact that we are crowned with eternal glory. The Apostle Paul testifies of this to Timothy when he said, “I have fought the good fight… there is in store for me the crown of righteousness...”2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV). Earthly fame fades, but eternal reward remains. In Christ, our greatness is sealed in heaven, crowned by righteousness and rewarded with glory that never perishes. In Christ, we are not just saved, we are elevated. Through Jesus Christ, we are called, justified, and ultimately glorified (Romans 8:30). That is true greatness, not according to man, but according to God.
So Who is the Real G.O.A.T.?
While we can admire sports champions and applaud their feats, let’s never forget, Jesus Christ is the G.O.A.T. above all G.O.A.T.s. His greatness isn’t limited to a game, a season, or even a lifetime. His greatness is eternal, redemptive, and unmatched.
When the final whistle blows, and the trophies tarnish, only one name will stand, Jesus, the Name above all names (Philippians 2:9-11), and according to Revelation 1:8 (NIV),
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” No athlete or leader can claim that they begin and end. Jesus spans all of time.
Jesus is supreme above Muhammad Ali, Jordan, Brady, Mays, Ruth, Pele, Maradona, or Bolt. He is, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory... he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels…” Hebrews 1:3-4 (NIV). Heaven itself declared His greatness according to Revelation 5:12 (NIV), which tells us, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”
We as believers, therefore as heirs of His greatness, do not have to work to be great because we are already great, even if our lives do not yet manifest that greatness. Recognizing our greatness in and through Christ sets us on a path to achieving that greatness to bring glory and honor to Him.
As Jesus Christ is Great, so are we His disciples Great!
Blessings!
