What Jesus Did! 'Refusing Deliverance' — John 11:55-57

Thursday, August 18, 2022

It was now almost time for the Jewish Passover celebration, and many people from all over the country arrived in Jerusalem several days early so they could go through the purification ceremony before Passover began. They kept looking for Jesus, but as they stood around in the Temple, they said to each other, "What do you think? He won't come for Passover, will he?" Meanwhile, the leading priests and Pharisees had publicly ordered that anyone seeing Jesus must report it immediately so they could arrest him.
— John 11:55-57 NLT

Key Thought

Why is it so hard for those caught up in wrong things — ideas, addictions, relationships, behaviors — to accept the opportunity for deliverance? While there are many partial answers, there is one clear answer: Satan has blinded them to the truth because he doesn't want them to be free to choose. Despite the miraculous raising of Lazarus, some would not believe. Despite the freedom that Jesus came to offer, some would not receive it. In fact, some were determined to be rid of Jesus because they were happily settled in the fog Satan had brought over them to keep them from the truth. As much as we may pray and try to convince people about Jesus, some will not believe. There is not much that we can do other than continue to pray for their hearts to change, live before them with a consistent example of godly character and faith, and be ready to help when they face difficulty or find themselves open to the truth.

Today's Prayer

Father, please minister to my discouragement. I have some friends whom I love deeply who are caught in Satan's traps. Make my life a consistent example of compassion and character before them. Please help me see the opportunities when these friends are more open to your grace, and please use me to share that grace at the appropriate time. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 26:15-18
  • Ephesians 2:1-2
  • 1 Peter 1:18-21

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Illustration

Illustration of John 11:55-57 NLT — "What do you think? He won't come for Passover, will he?"

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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