What Jesus Did! 'We Have No King!' — John 19:12-15

Saturday, November 28, 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."

When they said this, Pilate brought Jesus out to them again. Then Pilate sat down on the judgment seat on the platform that is called the Stone Pavement (in Hebrew, Gabbatha). It was now about noon on the day of preparation for the Passover. And Pilate said to the people, "Look, here is your king!"

"Away with him," they yelled. "Away with him! Crucify him!"

"What? Crucify your king?" Pilate asked.

"We have no king but Caesar," the leading priests shouted back.

— John 19:12-15 NLT

Key Thought

God was Israel's true king while the human king who sat on Israel's throne in earlier times was considered God's son, or prince. So often, Israel chose to go with their human king and abandon their heavenly king. Once again, the leaders of God's people pulled them away from their heavenly king and pledged their loyalty to a secular king. Their actions are a warning of how easily we can be dissuaded from giving our complete loyalty to the only true Lord and King, Jesus.

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, my precious and righteous Father, please keep my heart pure in its allegiance to you. I don't ever want to let anything or anyone lead me away from my loyalty to you. Forgive me for the past times when I've let other things distract my attention and distort my loyalty. Thank you, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

What Happens When You're Pleasing the Wrong Audience
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..."
Nicodemus and Joseph Save Easter?
Article by Phil Ware
How can two rich guys save Easter? Phil Ware continues his series called unpredictable on Jesus in the Gospel of John and focuses on Jesus' death and burial through the eyes of Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea.
Pilate Wanted to Wash His Hands of It
Article by Steven W. Allen
How do we deal with unfairness? Jesus was unfairly tried by Pilate.
Let Jesus ...
Article by Phil Ware
What do these words mean and whose words do we trust? Phil Ware weaves in the 7 sayings of Jesus on the cross with the sense of forgiveness and mission that should be ours in the cross and resurrection of Jesus.
See All 5 Related Resources about John 19:12-15

Illustration

Illustration of John 19:12-15 NLT — "We have no king but Caesar,"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, November 28, 2026

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'He Showers Compassion' (Ps. 145:8-9)
"The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all....."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Turn to Jesus to Escape Enslaving Sing'
"They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you. And when people escape from...."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Colossians 4:5
"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Wait for Each Other at My Table!'
"Dear Precious Disciple, Few things have been more important to My disciples through the centuries than My Supper. The Eucharist, the Lord's Supper,....."

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!