What Jesus Did! 'Look at What I Do, Then Decide' — John 10:22-25

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

It was now winter, and Jesus was in Jerusalem at the time of Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication. He was in the Temple, walking through the section known as Solomon's Colonnade. The people surrounded him and asked, "How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly."

Jesus replied, "I have already told you, and you don't believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father's name."

— John 10:22-25 NLT

Key Thought

Many people claim to be something they are not. Jesus repeatedly reminded his disciples (including us) that the proof of a disciple's identity is not what he or she claims, but what he or she does. [1] An essential part of Jesus' proof of identity was what he did, too! Want to have a good idea who he is? Then notice what he did and how he lived.

[1] John 13:35, 14:15. See also the last two Related Scripture Readings below.

Today's Prayer

Father, please empower me as I seek to live up to what I profess and to practice what I preach. I want my life to be genuine. I want to reflect the values I hold in my heart. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Look Closely at the Evidence!
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Seeker, My words have always provoked strong reactions! I do not leave people any middle ground for their decision about Me. There is no "safe"...."

Illustration

Illustration of John 10:22-25 NLT — "How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." —— "I have already told you, and you don't believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father's name."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, July 21, 2026

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Glory in the Ordinary'
"Dear Friend, When are you most aware of My presence with you? I can be present in the spectacular, beautiful, and wonderful. I can also be present....."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Mystery' (Acts 1:7-11)
"[Jesus] replied, "The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times [for restoration of the Kingdom], and they are not for you to know....."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'No Presumption' (Ro. 2:1-7)
"Dear Father, holy and righteous judge, Help me not to condemn myself by passing judgment on someone else when I may be doing the same or similar..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Jeremiah 31:33
"Christian! here is all thou canst require. To make thee happy thou wantest something that shall satisfy thee; and is not this enough? If thou canst..."

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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