What Jesus Did! 'Plotting His Death' — John 7:1

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

After this, Jesus traveled around Galilee. He wanted to stay out of Judea, where the Jewish leaders were plotting his death.
— John 7:1 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus stays away from Judea ... at least for now ... until the time is God's time. Jesus will not be hurried or rushed by the agenda of others. He follows God's timetable, not ours or his family's or anyone else's. He concentrated his work on teaching people who needed God's grace and on going to the places that were ready to receive his message. He was wise and prudent even under pressure, and he didn't allow the threats to curtail his service. What a powerful message for us today, especially for those of us who sometimes find ourselves in horrible and challenging circumstances.

Today's Prayer

Give me strength, O God, and a pure heart for my journey to you. Don't let me be deterred by those who would seek to dilute my faith or derail my sense of mission. At the same time, dear Father, please help me honor the people around me with respect. Give me the wisdom to know how to honor those I should honor while remaining true to you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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Illustration

Illustration of John 7:1 NLT — After this, Jesus traveled around Galilee. He wanted to stay out of Judea, where the Jewish leaders were plotting his death.

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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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