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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for January 2021
February 1, 2021
John 1:41, 42 – He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
Thought: Having been with Jesus for a brief time convinced Andrew that Jesus was the anticipated Messiah. His first move was to find his brother Peter and bring him to Jesus. This one simple act would radically alter history. Peter would become an apostle of Jesus Christ. He would open the doors of the church to both the Jews and Gentiles. He would pen two epistles of the New Testament. He would be the one apostle to whom all Christians could relate. Yes, he became a stone in the church.
John 4:28-29
February 2, 2021
John 1:43 – The day following Jesus would go forth in Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.
Thought: When Jesus started His ministry, He looked for twelve men who would eventually become His apostles. Here, He finds Philip, and says to him: “Follow me.” The choice was in the hands of Philip. He could refuse the call. Or, he could follow. The call is similar today. No, we are not called to be apostles, but Christians. The call comes through the gospel (II Thess. 2:14). The choice is ours. Will we answer the call and follow Jesus? Or, will we refuse the call? What an honor to be called!
Romans 9:23-26
February 3, 2021
John 1:44, 45 – Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and in the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
Thought: Philip was like Andrew. He had to share the news that he had found the Christ. When he located his brother, Nathanael, he told him: “We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and in the prophets did write.” The prophecies concerning the “Anointed One” were many. The Old Law was overwhelmed with them. An honest heart would have to admit that Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph was the Christ. The evidence was overwhelming. Only a hard heart would reject the evidence.
Luke 24:44-47
February 4, 2021
John 1:46 – And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
Thought: Doubt is a very powerful tool used by Satan. Even though Philip was told about the Messiah by his own brother, he doubted. His doubt was expressed in a question about the hometown of Jesus. “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Why does the past have to determine the present? Why weren’t Philip’s words good enough? Philip did not argue with his brother. He merely invited him to “come and see.” Honestly looking at the evidence is the sure way to true faith.
John 7:41-42
February 5, 2021
John 1:47 – Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile.
Thought: Notice that Nathanael did come to Jesus after being invited by his brother Philip. This manifests his honesty. He was willing to examine even that which he doubted. Notice, too, Jesus had never met Nathanael. Yet, upon seeing him, He proclaims: “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile.” Jesus had the ability to examine Nathanael’s heart. He knew this man had no deceptiveness, craftiness, or duplicity within. All of these qualities would cause him to accept the Christ.
Psalm 32:2
February 6, 2021
John 1:48 – Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.
Thought: Nathanael was intrigued that Jesus knew something of his character. Thus, he asks: “Whence knowest thou me?” Jesus informs him about something that transpired when Nathanael was under a fig tree. Jesus did not mean He literally saw Nathanael. Jesus was admitting His omnipresence and omniscience. Perhaps he heard a sincere prayer of Nathanael while under the fig tree. It was something Nathanael was doing that proved to the Christ that he was without guile.
Psalm 139:1-2
February 7, 2021
John 1:49 – Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the king of Israel.
Thought: Some individuals required less proof of the deity of Christ than others. Jesus’ intimate knowledge of Nathanael convinced him immediately. When he believed, he did not hesitate to confess the Christ, saying: “Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the king of Israel.” We wish more had open hearts like Nathanael’s. We need people to honestly consider the evidence of the divinity of Christ. We also need them to openly confess the Christ when the evidence convinces them of the truth.
Acts 8:36-37
February 8, 2021
John 1:50 – Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.
Thought: Jesus was impressed that Nathanael believed based upon a small amount of evidence. He, then, made a promise to him. “Thou shalt see greater things than these.” How true this would be. He would see many of the marvelous miracles Jesus performed during His brief ministry: the lame would walk, the deaf would hear, the dumb would speak, the sick would be healed, and, the dead would be raised to life. Nathanael’s confession would many times be proven: “Jesus is the Son of God.”
Mark 5:18-20
February 9, 2021
John 1:51 – And he said unto him, Verily, Verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
Thought: Jesus reveals to Nathanael a very interesting concept. He appears to take an event that happened to Jacob in the Old Testament and apply it to Himself. What Jacob saw in a vision would be accomplished spiritually by Jesus. It would be He who would open up a new and living way for man to have access into heaven. This would be done by the work that Jesus would accomplish from this point in time until He ascended to the right hand of God.
Hebrews 10:19-20
February 10, 2021
John 2:1,2 – And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: and both Jesus was called, and his disciples to the marriage.
Thought: The counting of days began in John 1:29. The third day after John had spoken to the Pharisees, Jesus and His disciples attended a marriage in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ presence places a divine stamp of approval upon marriage. This is an institution that is disparaged by many today. Man forgets it is a divinely ordained institution. Too, it is a divinely governed institution. It should be put into the realm of things holy. It should not be treated lightly. It should not be entered into lightly.
Genesis 2:18-24
February 11, 2021
John 2:3, 4 – And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come.
Thought: At the wedding feast in Cana, a problem developed. Mary revealed the difficulty when she approached Jesus, and said: “They have no wine.” Jesus’ response seems abrupt in English, but he was respectful of His mother. He indicated He was aware of the problem. Too, He would take care of the problem in His own time. This account in the life of Christ has focused far too much on the word “wine.” The focus should be on Jesus. This is precisely where Mary turned her attention.
John 6:5-6
February 12, 2021
John 2:5 – His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
Thought: Mary did not understand Jesus’ words to mean that He would not help. In fact, she understood His words to mean that He would. Thus, she turned to the servants and gave them a very wise instruction: “Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.” These are words of wisdom to all mankind. Jesus is the King of kings. He is over all. Thus, all men would be wise to hear His words and do them. Sadly, many foolishly dismiss Jesus’s words. This will come to haunt them in the Last Day.
John 12:48
February 13, 2021
John 2:6, 7 – And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
Thought: The benevolent heart of Jesus immediately acted. He commanded the servants to fill the six stone waterpots with water. Each pot held two or three firkins. A firkin is about eight gallons. Thus, each pot held between sixteen to twenty-four gallons of liquid. The servants did exactly as commanded. They filled the pots to the brim. It is important to remember that only water went into the pots and nothing else. This is important because it was wine, not water, that was needed.
Hebrews 2:3-4
February 14, 2021
John 2:8 – And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
Thought: When Jesus told the servants to “draw out now,” the miracle had been performed. No additives had been put in the water. Jesus simply overrode the laws of nature. In fact, He made wine with no grapes at all. There are many miracle workers who claim they can perform miracles today. Not one of them can do what Jesus did at the marriage feast in Cana of Galilee. They could not turn water into wine if their lives depended on it. They are liars and deceitful workers.
II Corinthians 11:13-15
February 15, 2021
John 2:9 – When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was, (but the servants which drew the water knew,) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom.
Thought: The “ruler of the feast” was the director of entertainment. It was his job to make sure all things went well during the wedding feast. He did not know where this wine that he tasted originated. Once he tasted it and knew its quality, he summoned the bridegroom. This simple account reminds us of the law of decency and order. From the simple to the complex, there should be an authoritative structure in place to make sure things operate smoothly. If not, chaos will result.
I Corinthians 14:40
February 16, 2021
John 2:10 – And said unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou has kept the good wine until now.
Thought: When the ruler of the feast tasted the water that had been turned into wine, he was impressed with its quality. He thought the bridegroom purchased it. In speaking with the bridegroom, he told him that keeping the good wine until the last was not normal protocol. The point that we need to remember is that when Jesus performed this miracle, it was finished in a state of excellence. The wine was of premium quality. When our Lord blesses, He blesses with the very best.
Matthew 9:20-22
February 17, 2021
John 2:11 – This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory, and his disciples believed on him.
Thought: Did Jesus turn the water into alcoholic wine? This has been the primary discussion of this event in the life of Christ. However, this should not be our focus. Jesus performed this miracle and manifested His glory to all mankind. It was His first miracle that shouted to the world: “I am the Son of God.” It had a profound impact upon His disciples. John tells us: “…and his disciples believed on him.” Would this divine being make a beverage that has brought ruin to mankind? Surely not!
Psalm 96:3-4
February 18, 2021
John 2:12 – After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples; and they continued there not many days.
Thought: Capernaum, the village of comfort, was a small fishing village on the Sea of Galilee, and was the home of Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Matthew. It was here that Jesus could take advantage of the new found faith of the disciples. He could begin to instruct them with the teaching He brought from God. Too, they could rest. Soon, things would change. The multitudes would throng the Christ. The Jewish leaders would watch Him and question all He did. This quiet time was a time of blessing.
Matthew 4:13-16
February 19, 2021
John 2:13 – And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
Thought: The Jews’ passover was one of three yearly feasts males were required to attend. The feast commemorated the Lord’s passing over the houses of the firstborn who were in Egypt because the blood of the passover lamb was put on the doorposts and lintels. Jesus lived under the Old Law. One of the things we learn about Jesus is that He was a faithful Jew. He did not neglect His obligations. He did not rationalize disobedience. It was Passover. “And Jesus went up to Jerusalem.” He obeyed God.
Deuteronomy 16:16
February 20, 2021
John 2:14 – And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting.
Thought: At the passover, sacrifices had to be made. Many who attended the feast had to travel long distances to get to Jerusalem. Instead of bringing live animals with them, they would purchase them in Jerusalem. When Jesus entered into the temple area, He found “those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting. Their actions seemed innocent and harmless. They appeared to be there for the sake of convenience. Appearances, however, can be deceptive.
Deuteronomy 14:23-26
February 21, 2021
John 2:15 – And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables.
Thought: We are shocked by Jesus’ behavior. He enters into a very normal environment in Jewish life and creates a commotion. He made a scourge, a small whip, and drove the animals out of the area. He did not it use on the sellers. He also poured out the changer’s money and overthrew their tables. Jesus appears to be irrational and out of control, but He was not. This type of action would never befriend Him to the Jewish authorities, but this wasn’t His purpose. He was angry, but for a reason.
Ephesians 4:26
February 22, 2021
John 2:16 – And he said unto them, that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house a house of merchandise.
Thought: What seemed to be out-of-control anger, now has a cause assigned to it. When Jesus entered the temple and saw the greed and extortion being practiced by the sellers and exchangers in the temple, He drove them out. Their sin was being practiced in the house of God. Had they no shame? These greedy men hardened their hearts under the guise of doing a good deed for others. Jesus exposed their iniquity that day. He would not have His Father’s house become a house of merchandise.
Jeremiah 7:11-15
February 23, 2021
John 2:17 – And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
Thought: The disciples of Jesus saw the passion He exhibited when he cleansed the temple. They were instantly reminded of a passage found in the psalms. “The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.” This was the first time they connected the Messianic prophecies with Jesus. It would not be the last. It had been predicted that the emotions of the Anointed One would be overwhelmed, and that He would defend the purity of the worship of God. Jesus was not ashamed to stand for the true worship of God.
Psalm 69:9
February 24, 2021
John 2:18 – Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
Thought: Remember, Jesus was not trained in the Rabbinical schools. The Jewish leaders thought of Him as a common man from despised Nazareth. To them, He was just a carpenter’s son. What gave this man the right to cleanse the temple? If He were really from God, He should prove it by giving them a sign. Thus, they asked for one. These men were threatened that day. They were going do all in their power to hold this man accountable and expose Him. Jesus’ enemies had been awakened!
Matthew 12:38-40
February 25, 2021
John 2:19 – Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
Thought: The Jews asked Jesus for a sign after He cleansed the temple. The sign He promised them was: “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” What a sign! Could Jesus really pull this off? If He could, surely the Jews would be convinced that He was the long anticipated Messiah. Or would they? This is one of the problems of a hardened heart. Regardless of the evidence that is presented, the hard heart will reject it. Its mind is made up. It pursues its own objective.
Matthew 27:39-40
February 26, 2021
John 2:20 – Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
Thought: The Jews only had one definition of the word “temple.” They believed Jesus was speaking of Herod’s temple. It was an elaborate structure. It had taken over four decades to erect. They wondered if Jesus could really destroy it and raise it again in three days. It seemed like an impossibility. Sadly, they could only think in physical terms. Their minds were not mature enough to think in spiritual terms. Mankind is still much like this today. It seems the physical is easier to grasp than the spiritual.
Acts 1:6
February 27, 2021
John 2:21 – But he spake of the temple of his body.
Thought: Jesus was not referring to the temple in Jerusalem when He said He would destroy the temple and raise it up in three days. He referred to another temple, His body. Our bodies are just a tent that house the soul in this life. Jesus’ temple would be destroyed by death on the cross of Calvary. However, on the third day, He would be resurrected from the grave. He would destroy the temple and raise it in three days just as He said He would do.
II Corinthians 5:1-4
February 28, 2021
John 2:22 – When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the Scripture, and the word which Jesus said.
Thought: Several years would pass before the truth of Jesus’ words became clear to Jesus’ disciples. After he was raised from the dead, they put two and two together. Jesus did destroy the temple and build it again in three days. We learn several lessons from this. First, words can have more than one meaning. Second, it often takes time to come to a full understanding of spiritual things. Third, Jesus can be trusted. He did exactly what He said He would do.
Luke 24:6
Read devotionals for March 2021