Those who were never defeated, yet still lost

Those who were never defeated, yet still lost

Football fans around the world are caught up in the unstoppable excitement of the beautiful game. In the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, 48 teams are competing for football's biggest prize. The matches are filled with thrilling attacks, swift counterattacks, dazzling moments, and intense excitement, with every fan cheering for their favorite players and teams.

The teams were drawn into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the best eight third-placed teams, qualify for the knockout stage.

Among them, two teams form the basis of today's reflection: Cabo Verde, which reached the knockout stage without winning a single match, and Iran, which was eliminated despite remaining unbeaten throughout the group stage.

When Cabo Verde held Spain, the second-ranked team in the world, to a draw, the media was quick to point out that Cabo Verde was far from being just another underdog. They went on to draw against the other teams in the group as well, while Spain defeated all the remaining teams. As a result, Cabo Verde finished second in the group and advanced to the knockout stage.

Iran, on the other hand, also drew all of their group matches. However, they finished third in the group. Their hopes of qualifying as one of the eight best third-placed teams came to an end when the match between Algeria and Austria ended in a draw.

Looking at Cabo Verde, who progressed without winning a single match, and Iran, who were eliminated despite not losing a single match, brings to mind two characters from the Bible...

The rich young ruler, who came to Jesus with the pride of having kept the Law from his youth, and the thief on the cross, who had not a single good deed to point to in his entire life...

1. The Rich Young Ruler

(Matthew 19:16–22; Mark 10:17–22; Luke 18:18–23)

🔹 He came with the right attitude: He ran to Jesus, knelt before Him, and addressed Him as, "Good Teacher."

🔹 He asked the right question: He was not seeking healing or deliverance. His concern was, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?"

🔹 He came to the right Person: Throughout history, many teachers have speculated about life after death and eventually succumbed to death themselves. But Christ alone spoke authoritatively about heaven and conquered death. It was to this Christ that the young man came.

🔹 He lived the right kind of life: From his youth, he had carefully observed the commandments of the Law without deviation.

But...

Despite not failing in any of these respects, he walked away from the Son of God, grieved by His words.

What greater failure could there be than this...?

A person may possess every earthly virtue, a good reputation, wealth, and honor, but what a tragic downfall it is to be unable to obey the Word of God...!

Many Bible scholars believe that the place this rich young ruler failed to occupy was later filled by another wealthy young man who had been "blameless according to the Law" - Paul - whom Christ set apart and made His disciple.

2. The Thief on the Cross

(Matthew 27:38–44; Mark 15:27–32; Luke 23:32–43)

▪️ He had no good deeds worth remembering.

▪️ He had nothing to boast about regarding his life, nor could he claim any worthiness to inherit eternal life.

▪️ He had no honourable reputation. The only names his own actions had earned him were "thief" and "evildoer."

But...

Even in the agony of crucifixion, he carefully observed the words, actions, and prayer of the One hanging beside him. He gazed intently at that face - swollen, covered with blood and spittle.

Yet in that face, he saw a King.

With a single prayer he said,

"Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom."

His prayer was answered immediately:

"Today you will be with Me in Paradise....!"

The man who had never won anything became the greatest of victors...

Dear friends,

While many who placed their confidence in their religious traditions, their places of worship, and their own works cast aside the Word of God, we - though having no merit of our own - have become heirs of eternal life because we looked to Christ, the Author and finisher of our faith, and obeyed His commands.

Let us give thanks for God's grace and His gracious choice...

May God bless you all.