What Jesus Did! 'A Different Kind of King' — John 6:15

Monday, April 25, 2022

When Jesus saw that [the people who witnessed his miraculous sign] were ready to force him to be their king, he slipped away into the hills by himself.
— John 6:15 NLT

Key Thought

While tucked away in the middle of a busy couple of days in Jesus' ministry, this insight about what Jesus did is a signifcant one we shouldn't miss. Jesus was being tempted with fame and an earthly position of power. The temptation was a shortcut to glory among the people, and it didn't entail the cross. However, Jesus refused to be pushed and pressed into the crowd's mold. [1] Instead, Jesus was going to follow the Father's plan, not his own and certainly not the crowd's selfish plan. He was going to do the Father's work and not be distracted by shortcuts or easy ways around the necessary. How did he stay on his course? He spent time with the Father, alone. He shut out the voices of the crowd and listened to the gentle tug of his Father's will on his heart.

How are we going to stay on course in our walk with God? We're going to have to follow the example of Jesus. We're going to have to say "No!" to the shortcuts and spend time in the Father's presence letting him tune our hearts to his song of grace.

[1] See Romans 12:2.

Today's Prayer

Give me patience, O Lord, to wait on you and your timing. I confess that I sometimes take things into my own hands and forget to spend time with you discerning your will. Give me the courage and patience to do your will in your time no matter what those around me want me to do. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 2:1-12
  • John 19:13-20
  • John 12:12-13

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Battery Life and Shining Lights
Article by Sarah Stirman
What does it take to keep your battery charged? Keeping us going in ministry, keeping our lights shining, requires us to spend time alone with God.
I Doubt It: I AM, Don't Be Afraid
Article by Phil Ware
Maybe the goal in life is not to arrive at our goals, but to invite Jesus into the journey and let him get us where we need to be. Phil Ware continues his series called "I Doubt It" and this week focuses on Jesus coming to his closest followers through the storm when they were exhausted, afraid, and uncertain.

Illustration

Illustration of John 6:15 NLT — When Jesus saw that [the people who witnessed his miraculous sign] were ready to force him to be their king, he slipped away into the hills by himself.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, April 25, 2022

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Celebrating Our Work in You'
"Dear Friend, I want you to learn to rejoice in Our work in you. We — Father, Son, and Spirit — delight in your obedience and service to....."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Proverbs 16:20
"Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Sleep Walking to Freedom' (Acts 12:9-10)
"So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn't realize it was actually happening. They passed..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Sowing Seeds' (Ga. 6:6-10)
"Dear Father, holy unscornable God, Don't let me be deceived, my God, for I know that no one can mock you with impunity. For whatever a person sows..."

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!