Do you enjoy anime that emphasizes teamwork and camaraderie? Well, Blue Lock isn’t quite that. When I first encountered Blue Lock, I anticipated another heartwarming sports anime, perhaps akin to Whistle! However, I quickly realized this series is a different beast altogether.
Blue Lock masterfully blends the high-stakes tension of a battle royale with the passion of soccer. The result is a cutthroat competition, though thankfully not lethal, that redefines the spirit of the game.
Initially, the themes explored in Blue Lock, both in the manga and its anime adaptation, might seem contrary to Christian values. I wondered how to bridge that gap. Then it struck me: by slightly shifting our perspective, Blue Lock can offer a powerful illustration of Jesus Christ’s unique role and significance.
So, how can a narrative centered on becoming the ultimate striker connect with Jesus of Nazareth? Let’s delve into it.
Diving into Blue Lock
For those unfamiliar, Blue Lock is a gripping Japanese manga series penned by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and brought to life by illustrator Yusuke Nomura. The anime adaptation, produced by Eight Bit, premiered in October 2022, quickly gaining attention for its intense premise and striking visuals. If you’re wondering Where To Watch Blue Lock, it’s available on Crunchyroll and Funimation, the primary platforms for streaming anime officially.
Beyond its basic description, Blue Lock unfolds as a truly wild ride.
(Spoiler alert for plot details, but trust me, experiencing the anime firsthand is essential!)
The story kicks off after Japan’s disappointing 16th place finish in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. In response, football authorities resort to an unconventional strategy to cultivate a striker capable of propelling them to victory.
Enter Ego Jinpachi.
Despite his unassuming appearance, Ego’s philosophy is anything but ordinary. He believes that the defining trait of a top striker is an insatiable ego – a relentless desire to win above all else. Team play and sportsmanship take a backseat to the singular pursuit of victory in Ego’s doctrine.
This radical approach gives rise to the Blue Lock project.
We are then introduced to Yoichi Isagi, a promising young soccer talent who, despite his potential, struggles to find his place and consistently underperforms. Destined for mediocrity, Isagi’s trajectory changes dramatically when he receives an invitation to Blue Lock.
Upon arrival, Isagi finds himself among 300 of Japan’s elite high school soccer players, gathered in a massive auditorium. Ego unveils his plan: a brutal, zero-sum tournament. Only one player will emerge as the ultimate striker, earning the coveted position as Japan’s lead striker for the following year.
The consequence for the remaining 299? A lifetime ban from national team consideration.
The stakes are incredibly high. One player’s career will skyrocket beyond their wildest dreams, while 299 will see their aspirations crushed.
After initial shock and hesitation, Ego ignites a primal competitive spirit within the 300 players. Driven by newfound fervor, they don their jerseys and step into Blue Lock, a cutting-edge training facility that will become their battleground.
They are divided into teams and thrust into a series of intense scrimmages, challenges, and unconventional training regimens, all designed to climb the ranks in this ruthless hierarchy.
Our protagonist, Isagi, is assigned to Team Z, bearing the number 299 out of 300 – second to last. The path to the top is daunting, to say the least.
Blue Lock is a captivating series that deserves your attention. If any aspect of this premise sparks your interest, I highly recommend checking it out. Having followed the manga since its English translation began, I can attest to the compelling characters, shocking betrayals, and the seemingly insurmountable odds Isagi faces.
Pride, Humility, and the Ultimate Striker
This week marks the second time I’ve felt a sense of unease attempting to connect the themes of my chosen topic with biblical scripture. The Bible, after all, is quite explicit about the sin of pride, consistently emphasizing humility.
But perhaps there’s another layer to consider. While we are cautioned against self-pride, we are indeed called to boast about someone – and that leads us to our passage.
In Matthew 16:13-19, we encounter a pivotal conversation between Jesus and his disciples. His ministry is underway, and his reputation is spreading.
Jesus inquires, “What are people saying about me? What’s the buzz?”
The disciples relay the rumors: “Some say you’re John the Baptist,” others suggest Elijah, Jeremiah, or another prophet.”
Then, Jesus turns the question directly to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Scripture doesn’t detail their immediate reactions, but I imagine a tense silence falling over the group. The disciples often misunderstand Jesus’ teachings and role. The atmosphere is likely charged with anticipation.
Suddenly, Simon Peter boldly declares, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!”
I picture Jesus embracing Peter, perhaps even grasping his shoulder with enthusiasm. “Simon, son of Jonah,” Jesus responds, “you’ve grasped it! This understanding didn’t come from human insight but from divine revelation. And you, Peter, you are the rock upon which I will build my church, and the forces of hell will not overcome it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.”
What is the significance of this moment?
Jesus has a crucial mission during his earthly ministry. He is here to accomplish specific goals. He uses this moment to help his disciples grasp the bigger picture, connecting his teachings to the law and the prophets. He instructs them to follow his example, striving for perfection as he and his Father are perfect.
Yet, time and again, the disciples fall short in their human limitations. They argue about positions of power, constantly misinterpret Jesus’ purpose, and even after witnessing miracles, Thomas doubts until he sees the resurrected Christ’s wounds. They struggle to fully comprehend.
But here, Peter, at least partially, gets it right. He understands Jesus’ true identity, even if he doesn’t yet fully grasp the Messiah’s complete role. Peter’s focus is on Jesus, recognizing their shared purpose.
Ego, Isagi, and Discovering Your True Role
The more I contemplate Ego Jinpachi’s philosophy of radical egoism, the more I find myself agreeing with the underlying principle, if not the extreme methods.
While I don’t condone Ego’s harsh tactics – I much prefer positive reinforcement with my own children – the core truth of his methodology resonates. His approach is designed to forge the ultimate striker, one who has overcome immense competition and possesses unwavering self-belief.
This relentless focus eliminates doubt – the very obstacle hindering Isagi’s progress. Isagi lacks the deep-seated confidence to fully embrace his role as the striker, the one who scores the winning goal, not just a supportive teammate.
Ego’s training forces these young players to confront their self-perceptions, demanding they answer the fundamental question: “Who do you say you are?!”
His methods are questionable, but Ego is accelerating a process of self-discovery, pushing them toward an understanding of their inner potential much faster than traditional methods.
The disciples could have benefited from such an accelerated path. Despite witnessing Jesus’ miracles for three years, full comprehension eluded them. Even Peter, despite this blessed moment of revelation, denies Christ three times out of fear before the crucifixion.
The disciples were on the path to truth but struggled to fully acknowledge Jesus’ true nature – not just a leader or prophet, but the Christ.
Passing to Jesus: The Ultimate Goal
So, what does this mean for us today? How can we apply these themes of doubt, self-discovery, and understanding our role to our Christian lives?
A crucial starting point is answering Jesus’ question for ourselves: “Who do you say that Jesus is?” If he’s merely a “good guy” in your eyes, you haven’t grasped the full weight of his significance. Your focus might be misdirected.
As you watch Blue Lock, consider Isagi’s development in comparison to Christ’s journey. Are Isagi’s teammates following him with more clarity and commitment than the disciples followed Jesus? Are they perhaps even following him better than you are following Jesus?
What if true humility involves elevating Jesus so profoundly that he becomes the star player of our team? How can we amplify and embody the loving, welcoming essence of Jesus, rather than focusing on ourselves?
Self-centered pride is detrimental, a precursor to downfall. But finding pride in Jesus is different. Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. He came, died, and rose again. Jesus is our Savior, Redeemer, and everything we hope for.
We are called to be part of the Body of Christ, but none of us are meant to be Jesus. It’s all for something greater than ourselves. Imagine ourselves as a vast soccer team, passing every opportunity, every shot, toward Jesus, the ultimate striker who secures the winning goal.
If you’re still searching for Jesus, for understanding his place in your life before you can even “pass the ball,” that’s precisely what we explore every day at Checkpoint Church. We grapple with challenging questions like these through nerdy sermons and open discussions.
So, whether you see yourself as an up-and-comer like Isagi or possess the ego of Jinpachi, know that you are always welcome at Checkpoint Church.
God loves you.
We love you.
You matter.
BUH-BYE!
