What Jesus Did! 'Plotting His Death' — John 7:1

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

After this, Jesus traveled around Galilee. He wanted to stay out of Judea, where the Jewish leaders were plotting his death.
— John 7:1 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus stays away from Judea ... at least for now ... until the time is God's time. Jesus will not be hurried or rushed by the agenda of others. He follows God's timetable, not ours or his family's or anyone else's. He concentrated his work on teaching people who needed God's grace and on going to the places that were ready to receive his message. He was wise and prudent even under pressure, and he didn't allow the threats to curtail his service. What a powerful message for us today, especially for those of us who sometimes find ourselves in horrible and challenging circumstances.

Today's Prayer

Give me strength, O God, and a pure heart for my journey to you. Don't let me be deterred by those who would seek to dilute my faith or derail my sense of mission. At the same time, dear Father, please help me honor the people around me with respect. Give me the wisdom to know how to honor those I should honor while remaining true to you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

Dawn of the New Way: Risen!
Article by Phil Ware
What would it have been like to be Jesus' younger brother? Phil Ware shares insight on James, the brother of Jesus, and how the resurrection completely changed his life and what he believed about Jesus.
'Rubber Meets the Road' Discipleship
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Beloved, I know that believing in Me is not always easy or natural. So I want to remind you of My half-brother James. My apostle James had been...."
Resurrection 2.5: Sarcastic Ridicule
Article by Phil Ware
Jesus knew the sting of sarcastic ridicule and unbelief from his family Phil Ware continues his Resurrection 2.0 series reminding us this week that Jesus' own family did not believe until after his resurrection.
Family Is Important
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Child of God, Family is important. Your spiritual family is important to you. Your physical family is important to you. Family is important to....."
See All 5 Related Resources about John 7:1

Illustration

Illustration of John 7:1 NLT — After this, Jesus traveled around Galilee. He wanted to stay out of Judea, where the Jewish leaders were plotting his death.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, May 19, 2026

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'You Squander It!' (Ac. 7:51-53)
"[In his defense before the Sanhedrin, Stephen said,] "And you continue, so bullheaded! Calluses on your hearts, flaps on your ears! Deliberately ignoring the..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Psalms 84:6
"This teaches us that the comfort obtained by a one may often prove serviceable to another; just as wells would be used by the company who came after....."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Pray for Boldness, Not Just Protection'
"Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Dwight Moody:
"I have had more trouble with myself than with any other man I have ever met."

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!