In a quiet moment this week, my 9-year-old grandson shared his disappointment that a teammate on his summer soccer team had claimed his preferred jersey number before he had the chance. Numbers matter—especially to kids. They help create a sense of identity.

Athletes are easily recognized by the numbers on their uniforms. Young fans often admire their favorite players by wearing replica jerseys or requesting the same numbers for their own teams. In fact, a number can become so iconic that, when a player reaches legendary status, it’s retired—lifted to the rafters of stadiums like a sacred banner. We often remember our sports heroes not just by name, but by the numbers they wore.

One of the greatest offensive linemen in NFL history, Dan Dierdorf, wore Number 72. He played 13 seasons for the St. Louis Cardinals, earned six Pro Bowl selections, and was named Offensive Lineman of the Year three years in a row. He was later inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. After his playing career, No. 72 became a familiar voice to millions as a broadcaster on ABC’s Monday Night Football and CBS Sports.

I mention Dierdorf and his number because this Sunday’s Gospel highlights the number 72—the number of disciples Jesus sent out in ministry. These disciples didn’t wear numbered uniforms, but they were clothed with something even greater: an identity in Christ. Their calling needed no jersey. The only number that mattered was the One—Christ himself—who would not be raised to the rafters of an arena, but lifted high on a cross for the sake of the world.

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld once joked that our loyalty in sports isn’t to the players, but to the uniforms. “We’re rooting for laundry,” he quipped, noting how fans quickly shift allegiance when players are traded.

St. Paul offers a different take on what we wear: “As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:27). Martin Luther echoed this truth when he taught, “Let everyone regard baptism as the daily garment to wear at all times—suppressing the old self and growing in the new.”

This Sunday, July 6, at 9:30 AM, we’ll hear Jesus’ instructions to the 72 disciples. We’ll also witness the baptism of Sullivan Scott Miller as he is clothed with Christ. Come and be among the numbered—marked not by digits on a jersey, but by the grace of our Lord. Please see the attached bulletin.

Blessings,

Pastor Marc