Unpack This... What It Takes for a ComebackSample

The Greatest Comeback

With a 28-3 score in the third quarter, many sports fans were surprised by the Atlanta Falcons’ tremendous lead over the formidable New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI.

But even though the Patriots appeared to be down and out and people got on social media declaring their defeat, Tom Brady used the time left to lead his team to 25 unanswered points…force overtime…and knock off the Falcons 34-28.

The Patriots accomplished the most sensational comeback in Super Bowl history!

As we recall this amazing historic achievement in the NFL, it’s a great reminder of the ultimate comeback – the one that far exceeds anything taking place on a football field.

2,000+ years ago, God sent His Son, Jesus, to save the world. Despite His ongoing miracles and incredible power, His enemies took an early lead by nailing Him to the cross and crucifying Him.

People ended up declaring His defeat because He was down and out and appeared to be unable to save Himself. However, on the third day, Jesus completed the most extraordinary comeback of all time by walking out of the tomb and thus defeated sin and death!

He died and rose again and deserves all of our praise and honor for saving us and changing the world!

Luke 24:45-47 tells us, "Then He said to them, 'These are My words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.'

“Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.'”

Today, as we remember such an epic Super Bowl comeback, let’s reserve our highest praise for the most astonishing and eternally significant event in history. Let’s stand in awe of the One who victoriously bled and died for us!

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for Your great love and grace, and for sending Jesus to complete the ultimate life-changing comeback. Help me to live in view of this, and point others toward this wonderful truth. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.