Parable of Two Coaches

McKenna’s soccer coach drilled the girls endlessly during the weeks preceding tryouts.  They scrimmaged, drilled, ran laps, and repeated for hours each day, all to “Make the Team”.  She didn’t dislike her coach, and she wanted to make the team badly enough that she gave her all.  But, I was deeply concerned about the physical demand the coach placed on these girls as he sat by and observed them toil hour after hour.  McKenna became gaunt within the space of days.  I worried he did not know what he was truly asking of them, and the danger was real.

On the other hand, the boy’s Ultimate coach, did every ounce of conditioning with the team.  He did every pushup, or more, he ran every lap, he gave his all, so he would know exactly what he was requiring of the kids.  In return, these kid’s had ultimate respect and confidence in this coach.  They happily worked so hard to improve under his tutelage.  And, I trusted him to work them hard enough, but not injure the kids.

Lesson:  Jesus Christ, condescended to live this life with us and for us.  He experienced every sorrow and grief that we will.  He understands the pain that we experience in this life because he was here and lived it as well.  We can trust that He understands, we can trust in His words as we follow Him home.  He doesn’t just command and direct from the Heavens, he walked the dusty trails and climbed the steep mountains that we too will be called to walk.