What Jesus Did! 'What Happens When You're Pleasing the Wrong Audience' — John 19:12

Sunday, November 27, 2022

Then Pilate tried to release [Jesus], but the Jewish leaders shouted, "If you release this man, you are no 'friend of Caesar.' Anyone who declares himself a king is a rebel against Caesar."
— John 19:12 NLT

Key Thought

Who was Pilate trying to please, God or the masses? Who were the masses trying to please, themselves or God? Who are you trying to please, yourself, your peers, or your Savior? Answering that last question is just as crucial for you as it was for the masses and for Pilate about two thousand years ago. Who you are trying to please will either consecrate you or corrupt you! So choose this day to live to please the Lord — not only is it the right way to live, but it also has eternal benefits!

Today's Prayer

O Father in heaven, I have no idea how many days you have left for me to live on this earth. However, I do know that today, I choose to live to please you and reflect your character and grace in my life. My heart's desire is to make that same choice consciously each day. Please guard my heart against evil, arrogance, selfishness, pride, deceit, lust, or any other corrupting force Satan might use to gain a stronghold in my life or even to distract me temporarily from following you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Deuteronomy 24:14-15
  • Exodus 20:2-3
  • 1 Timothy 2:1-5

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Illustration

Illustration of John 19:12 NLT — Then Pilate tried to release [Jesus], but the Jewish leaders shouted, "If you release this man, you are no 'friend of Caesar.' Anyone who declares himself a king is a rebel against Caesar."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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