What Jesus Did! 'A Slap in the Face of God' — John 18:22-23

Thursday, November 12, 2026

[After Jesus confronted the high priest who was questioning him,] one of the Temple guards standing nearby slapped Jesus across the face. "Is that the way to answer the high priest?" he demanded.

Jesus replied, "If I said anything wrong, you must prove it. But if I'm speaking the truth, why are you beating me?"

— John 18:22-23 NLT

Key Thought

The Temple guard didn't know it at the time, but he was not only slapping the face of a high priest far greater than the one he was protecting; he was also slapping God in the face. Jesus suffered many indignities in his trial and crucifixion. However, it was a greater tragedy that those who inflicted these horrible cruelties never had any idea that they were abusing the Son of God, the Messiah that God had sent to redeem them. Yet Jesus suffered these indignities so that we could know that he loves us and will help us in our times of rejection and need!

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you for your patience. Thank you for your long-suffering kindness. Thank you for your overwhelming grace. I see these qualities demonstrated in Jesus' willingness to submit to humiliation, abuse, and torture so that the very ones who hurt him would have the opportunity to know you as their Father and find your saving grace. I know that same grace is given to me. I praise you and thank you in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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Illustration

Illustration of John 18:22-23 NLT — "Is that the way to answer the high priest?" —— "If I said anything wrong, you must prove it. But if I'm speaking the truth, why are you beating me?"

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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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