Like any aspect of God’s creation, sport has been distorted from its original purpose because of our sin. Sin is not something ‘out there’ as if sport is the problem, sin is an internal disposition we all have to reject God and to distort his good creation. We use our talents to seek our glory rather than to play to God’s glory. We damage our relationships through cheating instead of playing fair. Sin infects sport just as it does every area of human life. Jesus would have appeared to others as an unusual child—unusually intelligent, unusually holy, etc.—but not so otherworldly that people automatically recognized him as the Son of God. At first glance, the name “Jesus Shuttlesworth” might seem like just a quirky or attention-grabbing moniker for a fictional basketball player. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the name is actually loaded with meaning and significance.

There is, therefore, not a place for anger in the basketball court. Then, a basketball game is a place of perfection where moves had been practiced countless of times and players had been trained to execute plays to perfection. Not to be confused with his namesake who plays up front for Manchester City, this is Jesus demonstrating a 'show' rather than 'tell' coaching model, running rings around his primary-aged mentees/opposition. I'm not entirely convinced that the gentle shoulder barge that Jesus is using is strictly theologically sound, but in this ornament, there's no doubt about who the pro is. Soccer Jesus. Spurs Jesus: You know what, I’ll go with my man Marco Belinelli. Just because Belinelli looks like he could stand in as a Jesus double. And he is just a stand-up guy who has one hell of a three ball. I've got a slight issue with this depiction, in that it appears that rather than coaching the children, Jesus appears to simply be taunting them with his superior height. As in so many of these models, I'm worried that the Messiah's usual robe-and-sandals combo is going to hamper his efficiency at both teaching and playing the game, which perhaps explains why he's currently just holding the ball out of reach. Basketball Jesus.One of the key strengths of Ray Allen’s performance was his ability to convey a sense of authenticity on the court. Whether playing one-on-one against the Governor’s son or leading his team in a critical game, Ray Allen brought a level of realism to the role that made the basketball scenes feel true to life. Learn how to play, coach, and referee basketball. Consider organizing regular practices and games, depending on the skills and number of players. Practices help build skills and can provide opportunities for one-on-one teaching. Organize teams with enough players to have substitutions during each game. Have the teams play against each other with volunteers both officiating and coaching. Planning a big activity at the end, such as a tournament, can be a great way to build community spirit. Furthermore, the sport of basketball itself demands perfection from the competing teams. Each player has a role to play. Victory, most often, is anchored on the player’s ability to play their role perfectly as the coach designed it. Chad’s #1: Basketball was an access point into American culture for relegated Catholic and Jewish Americans in the early 20th century. Spurs Jesus: I would say Jesus being a man of many miracles and talents could probably do some amazing things on a basketball court if He so pleases. Also, I don’t know if He can walk on air—He can walk on water—but I’m sure He probably could throw down a nasty dunk or two if He felt like it.

Dr. Gary Evans: RICE is key. But I don’t think that they would know that.​ I don’t think there was much ice around those days, so I don’t think He’d be able to ice [an injury]. And I don’t know if He would think of elevating it, which is the main thing we would do today. I suppose He’d be pretty good if he had a pair of Jordans, I guess. Throughout the film, Jesus is seen as a skilled basketball player who is always looking to improve and get better. Whether he is practicing on his own or competing in games, he is always focused and determined to be the best that he can be. And even when faced with difficult personal challenges, he never loses sight of his ultimate goal. Jesus Christ understandably means a lot of things to a lot of people. For centuries mankind has debated everything from His birth to His hair texture, and although there are currently over 2.2 billion Christians worldwide, a reported 33,000 different denominations tells us there have clearly been some disagreements along the way. But we're not here to discuss the nuances of biblical text or minor discrepancies concerning His diet. Nor are we here to ridicule or offend. Kobe Bryant was originally supposed to play Shuttlesworth. “Thank you but no thank you,” Bryant says. “This summer is too big for me.” And then, Ray Allen ends up snagging the historic role as Shuttlesworth. The history of the NBA almost went in an entirely different direction. Had Kobe accepted the role, maybe Ray Allen wouldn’t have gone on to make more three-pointers than anyone else in NBA history!! Was Jesus Shuttlesworth a real person?

Pastor Rich Wilkerson: I think if you and I played in a robe and sandals it would definitely be a game stopper; we’d have to roll that thing up probably and really tape those ankles pretty good. But I think for Jesus none of those things would limit Him. I think He’d be fine whether He’s barefoot or in sandals, robe, tunic, shorts—He’s good. But how many of these Christians playing sport are Christians in sport? In other words how many Christians don’t just play sport but actually see that their sport and faith are integrated? Not separate areas - “I go to church on Sunday and play sport during the week” - but integrated - “I play sport as part of a whole life view of worship”.

Whether you need directionality on choosing your walk-up song or want to help your child choose one, consider the following Christian walk-up and pre-game songs. Encourage participants to talk about what they are learning. Discussions can take place before, during, or after the activity. You could ask questions like the following: While the fictional character is not solely based on one single real-life person, his story is extremely similar to Stephon Marbury’s life story. Some even say that the movie is based on Marbury, but no one would ever admit that.Also, whether a sports team wins generally doesn’t depend on the actions of just one person. That’s why they’re team sports. Even if Jesus were the greatest basketball player in history, his teammates (e.g., a ragtag bunch of Galilean fishermen) could lose the game. Chad #2: The game features height in such a way as to basically exclude anyone who isn’t tall. The nation of Israel prioritized height, too, and chose Saul as their first king. That didn’t work out well. Historian Cavan Concannon: Well he definitely wouldn’t play a very physical game. Always about turning the other cheek. He’s not going to be in the key, you know what I mean? Definitely not a LeBron [type]. I’m thinking of little outside shooters. You know Muggsy Bogues was always teeny but he was a little more physical; he was able to pull it off and was really fast. I’m thinking because of the shortness maybe like a Steve Nash? But Steve Nash was fast too. I wouldn’t think of Jesus being a fast player, you know what I mean? From the start, it was clear that Ray Allen was up for the challenge. In the film, he brought a quiet intensity to the role of Jesus Shuttlesworth, capturing the character’s talent, drive, and vulnerability in a way that was both convincing and compelling. But” I can hear you say, “if sport is a gift from God, then why is it often so bad, full of drugs, professional fouls, violence and cheating?”

In conclusion, the name “Jesus Shuttlesworth” is a critical part of the character and his story in “He Got Game”. With its references to religious figures and civil rights leaders, the name is a symbol of the character’s drive, talent, and determination, and a reminder of the larger historical forces that he is a part of. For audiences, the name “Jesus Shuttlesworth” is a powerful reminder of the character’s place in the world and of the impact that he has had on those around him. How did Jesus Shuttlesworth’s mom die?

Past Stories

Practice drills and contests—Practice drills that develop skills, like shooting or dribbling, while also providing a fun environment without being too competitive. Hold contests for activities such as free throws, three-point shooting, or dribbling. Because he was always dribbling. RELATED: 15 Best Basketballs For Kids – Just Don’t Let Me Catch You Playing Ball In The Damn House Learn about and play basketball to promote friendship and physical fitness. Develop teamwork and leadership skills to help you serve others throughout your life. Description