What Jesus Did! 'So That Many People ...' — John 19:19-22

Monday, November 30, 2026

And Pilate posted a sign on the cross that read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." The place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, so that many people could read it.

Then the leading priests objected and said to Pilate, "Change it from 'The King of the Jews' to 'He said, I am King of the Jews.'"

Pilate replied, "No, what I have written, I have written."

— John 19:19-22 NLT

Key Thought

The sign declaring Jesus to be the King of the Jews was written in Hebrew (the Jewish language of faith and promise), Latin (the language of the empire), and Greek (the language of trade) so that many people could read it. It also gave people an opportunity to understand it, believe it, and find life in the King who also is the Savior. Jesus isn't the Savior just for the Jews, but for all people. So while dying outside the city like a despised criminal was horrible, God used the cross to be the event in which many people could find that his love would reach them and save them.

Today's Prayer

Loving Father, every time I think of the cost of the cross, I am humbled that you would love me so much. Motivate me by that grace to share your love with others so that they, too, can find life in Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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1 Related Resource by Heartlight

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Illustration

Illustration of John 19:19-22 NLT — "No, what I have written, I have written."

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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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