What Jesus Did! 'Innocent but Flogged' — John 19:1

Friday, November 20, 2026

[After the people called for Barabbas to be released,] Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip.
— John 19:1 NLT

Key Thought

Pilate believed Jesus was innocent, but had him flogged! It was a political move for Pilate. It was torture for Jesus. Having your back beaten and chunks of skin ripped out each time the whip struck was horrific punishment. Pilate thought the flogging would appease the blood-lust of the mob. It did not. Instead, flogging Jesus only set the stage for worse tortures that would be inflicted on him. So often, we read about people who have been touched by a disaster or a catastrophe. Because we don't know these people, the reality of their suffering doesn't really register. However, Jesus knows their suffering and their pain! They are not just faceless names on another casualty list to Jesus - they are very real, individual people; Jesus knows about them! And when we are those faceless unknown sufferers to thousands of others, we can be assured that our hardships and anguish matter to the one whom Pilate had flogged!

Today's Prayer

Holy God, thank you that you know me. Thank you that you care personally for me and my pain, suffering, struggles, temptations, tragedies, hurts, illnesses, anxieties, wounds, and weariness. In a world where I often feel like just a number, I thank you that I am always intimately and personally loved by you. I offer you my thanks in the name of the one who personally loved each individual he met, Jesus. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

Illustration

Illustration of John 19:1 NLT — [After the people called for Barabbas to be released,] Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, November 20, 2026

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Opposition Can't Stop the Message or the Joy!'
"When the Gentiles heard [that the Good News of Jesus would come to them], they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were...."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'My Precious Temple!'
"Dear Beloved, As Paul used his letter to address the rivalries and divisions among My followers in Corinth, he pointed to four truths that I want you..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Evidence of Righteousness' (2 Th. 1:3-12)
"Dear Father, Thank you now, and every day, for every loyal soul whose faith is growing abundantly, whose love for others is increasing, whose stance...."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Whole and Holy' (Ro. 15:15-16)
"So, my dear friends, don't take my rather bold and blunt language as criticism. It's not criticism. I'm simply underlining how very much I need your help in..."

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!