What Jesus Did! 'Let These Others Go!' — John 18:7-9

Saturday, November 7, 2026

Once more [Jesus] asked [the soldiers and guards with Judas], "Who are you looking for?"

And again they replied, "Jesus the Nazarene."

"I told you that I AM he," Jesus said. "And since I am the one you want, let these others go." He did this to fulfill his own statement: "I did not lose a single one of those you have given me."

— John 18:7-9 NLT

Key Thought

Imagine being the target of hatred, jealousy, and murderous intent yet still protecting those closest to you. Jesus' protection of his disciples during his arrest, trial, and crucifixion is a great reminder of his love for us. In fact, in the protection of the disciples, we can see our own eternal protection. Jesus was willing to pay the horrible price of the cross to ensure our protection from sin and death. He said to Satan, "Let these others go!" Then he paid the price for our sin so we can be set free!

Today's Prayer

Gracious God, I praise you for Jesus' sacrificial love for his disciples and also for me. My words are inadequate to say how I feel. Jesus, my appreciation for your wounds that protect and heal me is deeper than words. I trust that the Holy Spirit will communicate the emotions that are beyond my ability to express so that you will receive my praise with the depth and the passion with which I offer it to you this day and that my life will be continual praise to you. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Spurgeon AM Devo for Mar. 26th
Devo: Morning & Evening
"Mark, my soul, the care which Jesus manifested even in his hour of trial, towards the sheep of his hand! The ruling passion is strong in death. He..."
Seed, Towel, Promise, and Torchlight: The Torchlight
Article by Phil Ware
With Jesus' arrest under torchlight, the end for darkness' reign drew near. Phil Ware concludes his four-part series on Jesus' Passion called seed, towel, promise, and torchlight.

Illustration

Illustration of John 18:7-9 NLT — "I did not lose a single one of those you have given me."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, November 7, 2026

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'In the Presence of Your Faithful People'
"I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will trust in your good name in the presence of your faithful people."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Ineffective Threats' (Acts 4:21-22)
"The council then threatened [Peter and John] further, but they finally let them go because they didn't know how to punish them without starting a..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Opening Blind Eyes'
"Dear Seeker of Truth, I was frustrated with the religious leaders who added their own regulations to the commandments of the law and made those..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 27:6
"Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses."

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!