What Jesus Did! 'What Happens When You're Pleasing the Wrong Audience' — John 19:12

Sunday, November 27, 2022

Then Pilate tried to release [Jesus], but the Jewish leaders shouted, "If you release this man, you are no 'friend of Caesar.' Anyone who declares himself a king is a rebel against Caesar."
— John 19:12 NLT

Key Thought

Who was Pilate trying to please, God or the masses? Who were the masses trying to please, themselves or God? Who are you trying to please, yourself, your peers, or your Savior? Answering that last question is just as crucial for you as it was for the masses and for Pilate about two thousand years ago. Who you are trying to please will either consecrate you or corrupt you! So choose this day to live to please the Lord - not only is it the right way to live, but it also has eternal benefits!

Today's Prayer

O Father in heaven, I have no idea how many days you have left for me to live on this earth. However, I do know that today, I choose to live to please you and reflect your character and grace in my life. My heart's desire is to make that same choice consciously each day. Please guard my heart against evil, arrogance, selfishness, pride, deceit, lust, or any other corrupting force Satan might use to gain a stronghold in my life or even to distract me temporarily from following you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

We Have No King!
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"Then Pilate tried to release [Jesus], but the Jewish leaders shouted, "If you release this man, you are no 'friend of Caesar.' Anyone who declares..."

Illustration

Illustration of John 19:12 NLT — Then Pilate tried to release [Jesus], but the Jewish leaders shouted, "If you release this man, you are no 'friend of Caesar.' Anyone who declares himself a king is a rebel against Caesar."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, November 27, 2022

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'How Are You Going to Finish?' (Ga. 3:2-3)
"I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'He Rescues Me' (Ps. 35:9-10)
"Then I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be glad because he rescues me. With every bone in my body I will praise him: “Lord, who can compare with you?...."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God is Pleased with Faithfulness Under Suffering'
"For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Paul Recognizes the Truth of Scripture'
"[Paul had spoken to the Jewish leaders in Rome all day. He had reasoned with them from the Scriptures that Jesus was both Lord and Messiah, and some...."

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!