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

Friday, November 27, 2026

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 Friday, November 27, 2026

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Don’t Focus on Getting Revenge' (Ro. 12:19-21)
"My friends, do not try to punish others when they wrong you, but wait for God to punish them with his anger. It is written: ‘I will punish those who....."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Jesus Sees and Cares' (Re. 5:6)
"Then I [John] saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Psalms 47:4
"Believer, if your inheritance be a lowly one you should be satisfied with your earthly portion; for you may rest assured that it is the fittest for..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Equipped for Battle' (Ep. 6:11-13)
"Dear Father, warrior against all evil, May I put on the full array of battle gear that you supply that I may be able to stand against the schemes of...."

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!