What Jesus Did! 'When Lost Is Won!' — John 12:17-19

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Many in the crowd had seen Jesus call Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, and they were telling others about it. That was the reason so many went out to meet him — because they had heard about this miraculous sign. Then the Pharisees said to each other, "There's nothing we can do. Look, everyone has gone after him!"
— John 12:17-19 NLT

Key Thought

Those opposed to Jesus lost! The will of God won! While clearly hyperbole, the religious enemies of Jesus proclaim the will and the work of God: "Look, everyone has gone after him!" Little did they know that their plan to stop Jesus by crucifying him will end up handing Jesus the ultimate victory. When Jesus is crucified, when he is lifted up on the cross and fulfills God's will, and when he is resurrected, he conquers those opposed to God's will and calls all people seeking God to himself through the message and the triumph of God's grace. Thanks be to God for our victory in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

Today's Prayer

Holy and gracious God, thank you that the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus brought your victory over death, Satan, and false religion. Please use me to help the people around me come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. I pray in the name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

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Illustration

Illustration of John 12:17-19 NLT — "There's nothing we can do. Look, everyone has gone after him!"

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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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