What Jesus Did! 'A Promise for the Nations' — John 11:51-53

Sunday, August 16, 2026

[Caiaphas] did not say [that it was better for one man to die than the whole nation perish] on his own; as high priest at that time he was led to prophesy that Jesus would die for the entire nation. And not only for that nation, but to bring together and unite all the children of God scattered around the world.

So from that time on, the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus' death.

— John 11:51-53 NLT

Key Thought

Even those who oppose God can be used by God to declare his grace. His plan was to save his people, Israel, and also reach the non-Jewish nations of the world through Jesus. We should remember that grace triumphs! God will not be deterred. His will is going to triumph. His glory will be declared even by those who have opposed him. That is the power of the Gospel and the God who authored it! As a disciple, are you doing your part of spread God's grace and declare his glory?

Today's Prayer

Thank you, dear Father, that grace is for all peoples of the earth. Please bless my brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world, especially those who live their faith in hostile situations. Please spread the power of the Gospel throughout the world in this generation and help me to do my part. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

3 Related Resources by Heartlight

Presuming on Grace?
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Beloved, Caiaphas spoke treacherously about Me. At the same time, he also unwittingly spoke God's truth about My mission:Caiaphas, the High..."
The Gathering Storm
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, If you have been following along with My story in the gospels, you know that I am headed for Jerusalem. You also know that I am on a....."
Beginning in Endings #1
Article by Phil Ware
We have new life because Jesus gave up his. We have a fresh beginning because Jesus chose to submit to an earthly ending. Phil Ware reflects on the last tens days of Jesus' life before his crucifixion and points us to the hope of a new beginning found in Jesus' life ending.

Illustration

Illustration of John 11:51-53 NLT — So from that time on, the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus' death.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, August 16, 2026

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Mystery' (Acts 1:7-11)
"[Jesus] replied, "The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times [for restoration of the Kingdom], and they are not for you to know....."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Victor Hugo:
"There are thoughts which are prayers. There are moments when, whatever the posture of the body, the soul is on its knees."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Glory in the Ordinary'
"Dear Friend, When are you most aware of My presence with you? I can be present in the spectacular, beautiful, and wonderful. I can also be present....."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Genesis 1:27
"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."

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!