What Jesus Did! 'The Authority to Lay It Down' — John 10:17-18

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

[Jesus continued,] "The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded."
— John 10:17-18 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus didn't just die; he died with power and authority. His life wasn't taken from him; he laid it down willingly to die for our sins. His crucifixion was an apparent defeat for him, but it was turned into a lasting defeat for the evil one who sought to use Jesus' death to win a victory over God. No one could take Jesus' life. He gave it willingly to save us and purchase us from death. The cross is God's power demonstrated in humanity's worst forum. The cross is our glory!

Today's Prayer

Father, as the old hymn says, "My glory all the cross." I thank you for purchasing me from sin and death through the gift of Jesus. I trust in your sacrifice to atone for my sins. I entrust my life to Jesus, who had the authority both to lay down his life for me and to take that life back up again for my eternal salvation. Praise and glory be to you, dear Father, and to the Son who is to be forever praised. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

This Time, Giving Up is Winning
Article by Phil Ware
Can you ever think of when giving up is ever good? Jesus gave up his spirit, but he did not give up his mission, his mercy, his grace.
The Good Shepherd
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Precious One, Few passages of Scripture were more beloved in My time on earth than the twenty-third Psalm. Like in your day, many found great..."
Promises Kept!
Article by Phil Ware
How do you know you can trust the promises of Jesus? Phil Ware talks about the promises of Jesus and how we know we can trust them: because he kept the hard and painful promises to die for us.
What Do We Do About Leadership Abuse?
Article by Phil Ware
The description of the Good Shepherd in John 10 aligns beautifully with Jesus' definition of serving and giving himself to bless us in Mark 10. Phil Ware continues his thoughts on becoming JesuShaped disciples, this week focusing on the horrors of the litany of spiritual abuse cases in the news and how different they are from Jesus’ definition of a JesuShaped leader and godly shepherd.

Illustration

Illustration of John 10:17-18 NLT — For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'A More Perfect Union' (Ep. 4:14-16)
"Dear Father, Giver of life and growth, We bless you, Father, because what you want for each of us your children is that we may no longer remain..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Ephesians 5:15-16
"Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Living Beyond Our Fears' (2 Ti. 1:6-7)
"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us....."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Charles H. Spurgeon:
"Learn to say "no." It will be of more use to you than to be able to read Latin."

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!