Recently, on a national radio sports talk show, the subject of Michael Jordan's attempt to play major league baseball came up. The show's co-hosts thought Jordan's chances of succeeding were slim to none. Just then, a call came over the line --John from Wyoming -- he said:

"You guys are crazy. Jordan is the greatest athlete ever. He can play major league ball if he puts his mind to it.

"Jordan is GOD!"

Jordan is God. Just a statement from the lunatic fringe, or something more?

Could this have been a real-life, Old Testament prophecy coming over the ESPN Radio airwaves? Could Jordan actually be the second coming of Jesus? Remember, Jesus did not reveal his true identity until he was 30. Jordan, on his last birthday turned 30. Consider the shocking similarities between Jesus and Jordan:

After Jesus left this world, Peter replaced him as leader of the apostles. After Jordan's retirement, Pete Myers replaced him in the Bulls' lineup.

Jesus was resurrected. Jordan is trying a comeback with the Chicago White Sox.

Jesus walked on water. Jordan's Bulls beat the Lakers in the 1991 NBA championship series.

Jesus fed 5,000. Jordan contributes to a Chicago-area food bank.

Jesus said, "This is my body. Eat it in remembrance of me," (Luke 22:19), and, "Take this (wine) and share it among yourselves," (Luke 22:17). Jordan does commercials for McDonald's and Gatorade.

Jesus was part of a Holy Trinity. Jordan was a part of three NBA championship teams.

Jesus said a man must risk losing everything in order to follow Him. Jordan likes to gamble.

"Demons obeyed (Jesus)," (Mark 3:22). While he was in college, Jordan's North Carolina team defeated the DePaul Blue Demons.

Jesus was preceeded by the prophet Isaiah. Isiah Thomas entered the league three years before Jordan.

Jesus walked many miles across deserts. Jordan likes to golf in Arizona.

Jesus said he was the "rock." Jordan appeared in the videotape, "NBA Rocks."

Jesus wore a crown of thorns. Jordan knew NBA official Rod Thorn.

Jesus "sweat drops of blood," (Luke 22:44). Jordan sweats a lot.

Jesus ascended into heaven. Jordan can really jump.

Jesus was betrayed by Judas --his friend -- who was paid to tell the Roman government where Jesus was staying. Jordan was betrayed by Richard Esquinas --his friend -- who was paid to write a book exposing Jordan's gambling exploits.

Jesus went on trial before the Roman Governor -- Pontius Pilate -- on charges of blasphemy. Jordan was called before the commissioner of the NBA -- David Stern -- on charges of gambling.

Jesus was beaten because he said he was the Son of God. Jordan's Bulls beat the Phoenix Suns in the 1993 NBA Championship.

In his early days, Jesus worked closely with the apostle James. While a freshman in college, Jordan was a teammate of James Worthy's.

Vast multitudes followed Jesus wherever he went. Sellout crowds followed Jordan's Bulls around the NBA.

John the Baptist said, "(Jesus) is greater than I," (Mark 1:7). Jordan is better than John Paxson.

Jesus said, "Man shall not live by bread alone," (Matthew 4:4). Jordan gave up a lot of bread when he quit playing basketball.

Jesus said, "Anyone who is not for me is against me," (Luke 11:23). Jordan is known to be ultra-competitive.

During his active ministry, Jesus often spoke of the "end times." During his last year with the Bulls, Jordan often hinted of retirement.

Jesus was born in Nazareth, a barren place. Jordan was born in Wilmington, N.C.

Yes, such similarities are shocking and a little frightening. But the evidence is strong in the case of Jordan and Jesus being the same person. After all, has anyone ever seen them in the same room together?