Gordan Banks' save against Pele at Mexico 1970. It’s known as the greatest save ever.

And, like any outstanding event, in sport or life, we’re talking about it years later.

But 50 years is nothing compared to the 2,000 years since the birth of Jesus.

Yet, Jesus continues to be world famous and, further, millions worship him as God, Saviour, Leader and Friend.

Why? Because what He did has stood the test of time, as the greatest save in world history.

In the Christmas story, Mary’s husband Joseph is instructed to call their baby,

“Jesus, because he will SAVE his people from their sins.”

The actual name ‘Jesus’ means that ‘he will save from sins.’

What does this mean?

During this World Cup we’ve seen much concern over human rights issues.

Division. Discrimination .Injustice.
But we know this kind of brokenness extends way beyond this World Cup.

The problems of division, discrimination and injustice constantly confront us all. And we long for something more, for something better. There is a nagging feeling that all is not right.

So, what if the problem actually begins with us?

Perhaps now is the time to examine ourselves before challenging others.
We are told that God sent Jesus to save us from our sins.

Sin can be described as sIn - me at the centre, not God. I will run my own life.
This is rebellion before God, a rejection of our Creator’s rule.

The Bible is clear that God is absolutely just and must judge wrongdoing.

On one level, this is a relief, since we yearn for justice ,for wrongs be righted.
And God will ensure everyone will be judged by Him when this life is ended.

Until we grasp that this means God must JUDGE us too.

There is only one way to avoid judgement.

Jesus came to save his people from their sins.

The God of perfect love and justice sent his own son Jesus to live a perfect life before dying on a cross to pay the just penalty for you and for me.

Jesus takes the punishment, we deserve.

Fifty years ago, Gordon Banks made the greatest save in the history of football, but there will always be a number of credible challengers to that title.

2,000 years ago, Jesus made THE greatest save in history.

“You are to call him Jesus, because he will SAVE his people from their sins.”

Jesus was born, lived, died, rose from the grave and returned to heaven.
The Bible says that one day, he will return to judge us all.

On that day:

Those who have refused to acknowledge their need and accept Jesus as their
Saviour will be banished from his wonderful presence forever. The Bible calls this Hell.

Those who have admitted their need and accept Jesus as their Saviour will live in his wonderful presence forever. The Bible calls this Heaven.

This Christmas, will you join millions of sportspeople around the world in celebrating the greatest save in history, by acknowledging Jesus Christ as your God, Saviour, Leader and Friend?

If you would like to begin to follow Jesus you need to admit your failure to acknowledge him as God, Saviour and King and believe that Jesus Christ came and died to take the punishment you deserve. To do this you could say the prayer written below to God:

Heavenly Father.
I acknowledge that there is nothing I can do to get eternal life.
I have put other things as King of my life and I deserve your rejection. I am sorry.
I believe that Jesus died in my place and has taken the judgement that I deserve so that I too can have eternal life. I accept your gift.
Thank you
Amen.

If you do decide to pray this prayer then you'll want to get started following Jesus.

Jesus never intended for us to follow him alone. Christians meet regularly together for encouragement from God’s word and this is called church. It’s important to connect with other Christians for mutual encouragement as you follow Jesus.

If you have a Christian friend, give them a call, and tell them that you have started following Jesus and ask to go to church with them. If there is no one who can help you with this, contact the Christians in Sport office and we’d love to help.