What Jesus Did! 'A Watershed Decision' — John 3:18

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

[Continuing his talk with Nicodemus, Jesus said,] "There is no judgment against anyone who believes in [God's Son]. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son."
— John 3:18 NLT

Key Thought

"There is no judgment" is used in this verse in the sense of "there is no condemnation." [1] As Christians, we don't fear a judgment against us because we live trusting God's love for us, and that love casts out all fear. [2] We don't face condemnation, only life. However, this glorious future is not based on our confidence in ourselves, but on our trust in Jesus' sacrifice to save us. When people reject Jesus, their lives are caught in the world of impending destruction. They have judged themselves by rejecting Jesus and refusing to trust in him. They have rejected the only source of lasting life in our world of destruction. The gift of Jesus is a watershed grace, and our acceptance or rejection of Jesus as our Savior and Lord means everything.

[1] Romans 8:1-2.
[2] cf. 1 John 4:18.

Today's Prayer

Glorious and righteous God, my Heavenly Father, thank you for the promise of a glorious future with you. Thank you that I do not have to fear that future. As I expectantly wait for that future to unfold, please use me to influence others to commit to Jesus and to trust in him. Never let my life be a stumbling block to someone seeking the answers that only Jesus can give him or her. In the name of Jesus, my Savior and Lord, I pray. Amen.

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Illustration

Illustration of John 3:18 NLT — "There is no judgment against anyone who believes in [God's Son]. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son."

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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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