What Jesus Did! 'The Question of Irony and Grace' — John 18:38

Wednesday, November 18, 2026

"What is truth?" Pilate asked. Then he went out again to the people and told them, "[Jesus] is not guilty of any crime."
— John 18:38 NLT

Key Thought

Pilate answered his own question when he spoke the truth: Jesus was not guilty of any crime. The whole process is a great reminder of the travesty of injustice and the loss of human decency and integrity. Jesus was delivered into the hands of those who hated him. The Messiah was convicted on trumped up charges in an illegal trial. Jesus was rejected by people crying for his death while trying not to defile themselves ceremonially. The true King was rejected by those who were supposed to be God's chosen people, but they cried out that they have no king but Caesar. People who should have been committed to righteousness called for the Lord to be put to death and for a murderous criminal to be set free. [1] So, when you feel mistreated, please remember the Lord. If you feel abandoned ... betrayed ... and unjustly punished, remember Jesus. Then understand that he went through what he faced so that you could know the truth and the truth could set you free! If you have Jesus, you have everything, and no one can take him away from you. That's the truth!

[1] John 18:39-40; Luke 23:19.

Today's Prayer

Righteous and triumphant God, King of the nations, thank you for the triumph that is mine in Jesus. I know your truth is liberating. I know your truth is powerful. Please give me the courage to trust that word and build my life upon it. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Discovering 'My Truth'
Article by Rubel Shelly
Does it really matter if we simply adjust our definition of truth to fit our own way of living? Rubel Shelly reminds us that while we can adjust many things to fit our lifestyle and personal reality, truth is still truth despite our protestations and personal journey.
Romantic Faith
Article by Rubel Shelly
How can faith be romantic? Rubel Shelly shares insight on the difference between Jewish thinking and Graeco-Roman thinking and how impacts the way we view Christian faith which should be romantic faith.

Illustration

Illustration of John 18:38 NLT — "What is truth?" Pilate asked. Then he went out again to the people and told them, "[Jesus] is not guilty of any crime."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, November 18, 2026

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Everyone Needs Grace!'
"Dear Disciple, Unfortunately, much of the world has repeatedly given up honoring the Creator. Most in the world have chased after worthless and..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'A New Spirit in You' (Ek. 11:19-20)
"[God said,] "I'll give you [my people in Babylonian captivity] a new heart. I'll put a new Spirit in you. I'll cut out your stone heart and replace it with a..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Psalm 119:64
"The earth is filled with your love, O LORD; teach me your decrees."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
James 1:19-20
"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the..."

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!