What Jesus Did! 'Are You Greater? Yes!' — John 8:52-55

Friday, June 26, 2026

The people said [to Jesus], "Now we know you are possessed by a demon. Even Abraham and the prophets died, but you say, 'Anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!' Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?"

Jesus answered, "If I want glory for myself, it doesn't count. But it is my Father who will glorify me. You say, 'He is our God,' but you don't even know him. I know him. If I said otherwise, I would be as great a liar as you! But I do know him and obey him."

— John 8:52-55 NLT

Key Thought

Sometimes the doubts of the crowd become our reminder of the truth. "Are you greater than our father Abraham?" the people ask Jesus. That's the question we are to ask. The answer? Yes! He is, and he is to be obeyed just as he obeyed the Father. He knows the Father and reveals him to us. Yes! Jesus is greater because he is God's Son and our Lord and Savior, the Christ.

Today's Prayer

All praise to you, God most high, and all praise to Jesus, your Son and my Savior. You planned my deliverance, dear Father, and purchased my salvation through the gift of your Son who brought life and immortality to light in himself and in his message. I pledge to you, O God, my heart and my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

I AM!
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, In the verses below, I want you to notice a few things about the ongoing contentious dealings I had with the religious leaders. They....."

Illustration

Illustration of John 8:52-55 NLT — "Now we know you are possessed by a demon."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, June 26, 2026

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Thomas à Kempis:
"Be thankful for the least gift, so shalt thou be ready to receive greater."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Song of Songs 5:8
"Such is the language of the believer panting after present fellowship with Jesus, he is sick for his Lord. Gracious souls are never perfectly at ease...."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Confirmation!' (Jn. 15:26)
"[Jesus said,] "When the Friend I plan to send you from the Father comes — the Spirit of Truth issuing from the Father — he will confirm everything....."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Entrusted with Faith' (2 Ti. 1:11-14)
"Dear Father, Give me great faith. Help me know whom I have believed and absolutely know that you are able to guard until that Day what I have..."

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.

More What Jesus Did!