What Jesus Did! 'Winning at Their Games' — John 10:34-36

Friday, July 24, 2026

Multiplication of Ministry: Year-End Information

Key dates and details about our year-end ministry transition and financial support.

 See Details
Jesus replied [to the Jews], "It is written in your own Scriptures that God said to certain leaders of the people, 'I say, you are gods!' And you know that the Scriptures cannot be altered. So if those people who received God's message were called 'gods,' why do you call it blasphemy when I say, 'I am the Son of God'? After all, the Father set me apart and sent me into the world."
— John 10:34-36 NLT

Key Thought

The religious leaders of Jesus' day used all sorts of legalistic logic to win their religious debates. Several times in Jesus' ministry, especially toward the end of his ministry when he was in Jerusalem where the leaders were trying to trick him with religious questions, Jesus defeated the religious teachers and leaders using their own logic. They wanted to charge him with blasphemy because they wouldn't believe. Even without their believing, Jesus used their own logic to show why they couldn't convict him of blasphemy. They couldn't win at their own games because Jesus is greater than they were and he knew what was in their hearts. Let's let this be a reminder that if we play religious games, Jesus can see through them. He challenges us to come to him and find life, not shallow religiosity or feelings of self-righteous superiority.

Today's Prayer

Forgive me, Father, for sometimes playing religious games. I truly want to have genuine faith, and I know that you long to give me life through that faith. Mold me and make me more into a person of godly character and faith. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

3 Related Resources by Heartlight

Look Closely at the Evidence!
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Seeker, My words have always provoked strong reactions! I do not leave people any middle ground for their decision about Me. There is no "safe"...."
Reflecting Jesus' Love to Each Other
Virtual Worship by Demetrius Collins & Phil Ware
Everyone in God's family is flawed just as we are, which makes loving each other hard at times. However, our love generously shared with each other is proof we are God's children in whom the Holy Spirit lives. Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in a virtual, DIY, worship through words and music using YouTube videos to challenge us to love one another and put other's need above our own.
Our Failure to See God
Article by Rubel Shelly
How could this happen? Rubel Shelly looks at how easily the religious of Jesus' day dismissed what he did and reminds us that it is still happening today.

Illustration

Illustration of John 10:34-36 NLT — "It is written in your own Scriptures that God said to certain leaders of the people, 'I say, you are gods!"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, July 24, 2026

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Always with a Clear Conscience' (Acts 22:29-23:1)
"The soldiers who were about to interrogate Paul quickly withdrew when they heard he was a Roman citizen, and the commander was frightened because he...."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'My Old Nature Put to Death' (Ep. 4:22-24)
"Dear Father, righteous and holy God, Enable me to put away completely my old human nature - the former lifestyle corrupted by deceitful desires. Help..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Song of Songs 5:11
"Comparisons all fail to set forth the Lord Jesus, but the spouse uses the best within her reach. By the head of Jesus we may understand his deity,..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'It's Time!' (Ps. 107:43)
"If you are really wise, you'll think this over — it's time you appreciated GOD'S deep love."

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!