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

Friday, July 24, 2026

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.

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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!"

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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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