What Jesus Did! 'Frightened or Fearless?' — John 19:7-9

Wednesday, November 25, 2026

The Jewish leaders replied [to Pilate after he said Jesus was not guilty], "By our law [Jesus] ought to die because he called himself the Son of God."

When Pilate heard this, he was more frightened than ever. He took Jesus back into the headquarters again and asked him, "Where are you from?" But Jesus gave no answer.

— John 19:7-9 NLT

Key Thought

Pilate was trying to find a way out of dealing with Jesus. He knew Jesus was innocent, but couldn't appease the crowd if he released Jesus. What if Jesus was who he said he was? How could he convict an innocent man? How could he keep his constituents happy? Who was this Jesus and where was he from? Pilate would lose his integrity unless he released Jesus. He couldn't release Jesus without infuriating the crowd. Jesus would not answer him. Jesus refused to be a pawn in Pilate's political game. Jesus followed the will of his Father, and no one would deter his commitment to righteousness. Facing a choice about Jesus' identity, Pilate the ruler showed fear, gave up his integrity, and became a prisoner to the fickle will of the mob. In the face of death, Jesus showed courage, displayed integrity, and demonstrated the freedom to be who he was truly committed to being no matter the will of the crowd or the consequences. The stark differences in the choices and character of Pilate and Jesus remind us of the importance of the choices we make about Jesus and the will of God.

Today's Prayer

Righteous and holy God, what can I say to convey my thanks for and appreciation of the horrible price paid for my sin? Thank you! Please purify me, and strengthen me so that my life from this day forward deepens in your character and in my love for Jesus, my Savior, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Son of God
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"The Jewish leaders replied [to Pilate after he said Jesus was not guilty], "By our law [Jesus] ought to die because he called himself the Son of God.""

Illustration

Illustration of John 19:7-9 NLT — "By our law [Jesus] ought to die because he called himself the Son of God." —— "Where are you from?"

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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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