Devotionals by Dr. Michael Youssef
May 13, 2026
Who Is Going to Heaven?
By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.
Imagine that you are a Jewish government official. You have memorized the Old Testament, have kept the law meticulously, and are highly respected in the community. However, despite your best efforts, you still feel something is desperately missing. A man emerges in the community who speaks with authority, forgives sins, heals the sick, raises the dead, and touches the leper. You begin to think that, surely, He must have the answer.
As a prominent member of society in Jesus’ time, this is likely how Nicodemus felt. Intrigued by Jesus, yet fearful of ruining his reputation, he approached Him under cover of darkness. He could see that Jesus was encountering the Kingdom of God in a way he was not (see John 3:2).
The false belief that our works will earn us eternity is not new. Jesus explained to Nicodemus that, to enter the Kingdom of God, one had to be reborn. “How can someone be born when they are old?” (John 3:4). Jesus clarified that one must believe in Him.
Jesus means that you stake your life on Him—your life now and forever. Humanity has an inescapable DNA of sin that cannot be corrected by moral human behavior, no matter how well-intentioned. To Nicodemus, Jesus’ message became clear: God has to do something in you. It is not what you do for God—it is what He does in you. Dead ritual cannot save you—only God can bring you to life.
The Truth of Jesus impacted Nicodemus deeply. Initially, he was ashamed to talk to Jesus, but in the end, he publicly showed his love for Christ. Upon Jesus’ death, he brought 75 pounds of spices for His burial, a gesture of immense honor (see John 19:39). Being face-to-face with Jesus changed him.
God longs to produce spiritual rebirth in us; He knows it is the only way we can truly live. For those trying to work their way into the Kingdom, Jesus says, “Stop trying. Let Me save you. Let Me change you and fill you up.” For those who believe their own morality is enough, Jesus says, “Your efforts will never be enough, but I am enough. I know you are thirsty; come to Me.” Only when we look to Jesus are we transformed.
Prayer: Father, I put my faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross to save me. Fill me with Your Spirit. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon Encountering Christ, Who Is Going to Heaven?: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW
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About Leading The Way
Along with partners committed to changing the world, Dr. Michael Youssef is leading the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ. By passionately proclaiming uncompromising Truth through every available form of media, this international team of experts is uniquely providing hope that is revolutionizing lives around the world.
What began as a small local radio ministry in 1988 has grown into an international ministry reaching millions for Christ, including a vast audience in the Muslim world seeking Truth in closed countries. Dr. Youssef's Biblically-based programs are broadcast in more than 28 languages to audiences across six continents. His books, MY Journal magazine, and daily e-devotionals continue to minister to a global audience. Leading The Way utilizes cutting-edge technology to advance the Gospel. Its solar-powered Navigators are reaching into remote villages, and the ministry's KINGDOM SAT TV channel—launched by Dr. Youssef in 2009—is reaching into the Middle East with programming in English, Arabic, and French. Field Teams follow up with viewers, including those in restricted areas, to lead the lost to Christ, disciple new believers, and support the underground Church.
Dr. Youssef and the Leading The Way team are committed to proclaiming the Good News of Jesus with the lost and equipping believers to grow in Christ. Learn how you can partner with this unique ministry today.
About Dr. Michael Youssef
Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D., is the Founder and President of Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef, a worldwide ministry that leads the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ through the creative use of media and on-the-ground teams. His Biblically-based teaching programs are broadcast more than 18,000 times per week in multiple languages around the world. He is also the Founding Rector of Church of the Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia, and founder of the AWAKE America prayer movement.
Dr. Youssef was born in Egypt and lived in Lebanon and Australia before coming to the United States. In 1984, he fulfilled a childhood dream of becoming an American citizen. Dr. Youssef holds theological degrees from Moore College and Fuller Theological Seminary and a doctorate in cultural anthropology from Emory University. He has authored more than 50 books, including popular titles Saving Christianity?, Life-Changing Prayers, Is the End Near?, How to Read the Bible, Heaven Awaits, and God’s Final Call. He and his wife reside in Atlanta and have four grown children and 15 grandchildren.
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