What Jesus Did! 'Choosing the Criminal over Christ' — John 18:39-40

Thursday, November 19, 2026

[Pilate said to the crowd,] "But you have a custom of asking me to release one prisoner each year at Passover. Would you like me to release this 'King of the Jews'?"

But they shouted back, "No! Not this man. We want Barabbas!" (Barabbas was a revolutionary.)

— John 18:39-40 NLT

Key Thought

At first glance, we look at the choice made by the people on this horrible day when they called for Barabbas to be released and Jesus crucified [1] and wonder how they could do it. However, when we take a long look at ourselves, we are struck by the many times we have chosen other things over Christ in our lives. In fact, that is what sin is - choosing something we want over the will and the work of Jesus! So today, let's be humbled and reminded how fickle we can be. One day we are shouting hosannas and hallelujahs to Jesus, [2] and a short time later we are choosing something totally opposite to Jesus. Let's not trade the lordship of Christ in our lives for anything else, for that would be ... sinful!

[1] John 19:6.
[2] Jesus' Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem (John 12:12-15) was just a few days before his trial before Pilate.

Today's Prayer

Give me an undivided heart, O God, and help me follow my Lord Jesus Christ with passion and perseverance. Open my eyes to the many things that would distract me from my commitment to Christ, and give me the strength to stay away from them and to keep my focus on Jesus. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

Illustration

Illustration of John 18:39-40 NLT — "But you have a custom of asking me to release one prisoner each year at Passover. Would you like me to release this 'King of the Jews'?" —— "No! Not this man. We want Barabbas!"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, November 19, 2026

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'How Amazing are God's Deeds' (Ps. 111:2-4)
"How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in him should ponder them. Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness...."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'The One?'
"Dear Disciple, Doubt! Even the best people have periods of doubt. My cousin John the Baptist was in prison awaiting certain death at the hands of..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'The Spirit Lives in Us' (Acts 2:33-36)
"[Peter continued his sermon:] "Now [Jesus] is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God's right hand. And the Father, as he had..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Vince Lombardi:
"I believe in God, and I believe in human decency. But I firmly believe that any man's finest hour — his greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear —..."

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!