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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for September 2021
October 1, 2021
John 8:3, 4 – And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery; in the very act.
Thought: Had we been at this event, our minds would have been focused on this woman and her sin. Truly, she had violated the law. Most likely, we would have been very quick to condemn her. What we often fail to see, however, is the cruelty and injustice of the scribes and Pharisees. If they caught her in “the very act, where was the man? Why did they bring her to Jesus? He was not an appointed judge. Why did they have to do this publicly and shame the woman so? These men were very cruel.
Exodus 20:14
October 2, 2021
John 8:5 – Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
Thought: These Jewish leaders acted as if they really cared about the Law of Moses. Instead of seeking true justice, they were using this poor woman to test Jesus. They sought to pit Jesus against their law-giver, Moses. The Jews only wanted to entrap Jesus. They only wanted something that would enable them to discredit Him. The sin of adultery committed by this woman was really their least concern. Some men are so evil that they will use others in any way to accomplish their wicked ends.
Matthew 22:15-18
October 3, 2021
John 8:6 – This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
Thought: Jesus knew the Jewish leaders were testing Him. He did not respond to their question immediately. The text tells us that He “stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.” Some have wondered what Jesus wrote. We will never know. Too, it is not important. Jesus gives an example of two things. First, before speaking, we sometimes need to take time to think. Second, in conversations with others, we do not have to give up our control.
Proverbs 26:4-5
October 4, 2021
John 8:7, 8 – So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
Thought: Jesus was not a judge of the law. Therefore, He did not perform the role of a judge that day. He did, however, assume the role of an advocate on behalf of this woman. The Jews were persistent in asking Jesus whether this woman should be stoned. It is interesting that when Jesus responded, He did not deny the Law of Moses. He merely prefaced it with another statement. “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” Surely there was one who could begin the punishment.
Psalm 50:16-17
October 5, 2021
John 8:9 – And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
Thought: Jesus’ words penetrated the hearts of these Jews and convicted them. Those who were older felt the sting the deepest. They knew they had sin in their lives. Had they been standing in the midst of this group, they would have deserved to be punished. Their conscience convicted them. They were shamed by their own guilt. Therefore, they “went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last.” The woman must have been greatly relieved to be standing alone with Jesus.
Job 5:12-13
October 6, 2021
John 8:10 – When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
Thought: The woman must have been relieved when all of the Jews departed. Too, there must have been some uneasiness because she was still in the presence of Jesus. She saw how He had dealt with the Jews. How would he deal with her? She had committed adultery. The law did require stoning. She was completely in the hands of Jesus. Dear reader, there is no better place to be than in Jesus’ hands. He will always do right. This woman did not know the Christ, but we do.
Isaiah 41:11-12
October 7, 2021
John 8:11 – She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Thought: Jesus did not condemn this woman even though she had been caught in the act of adultery. How could He do this? There are two answers to this question. First, for guilt to be established, there needed to be two witnesses to the crime. Since all of the Jews had departed, two witnesses were not found. Second, while on earth, Jesus had the power to forgive sin. Since He did not come to condemn but to save, He forgave this woman. But pay attention to His last words to her: “Go, and sin no more.”
Matthew 9:2-6
October 8, 2021
John 8:12 – Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Thought: Light is essential to life. Without light, plants could not grow. Without plants, animals and men would perish from the earth. Just as physical light is essential to physical life, so is spiritual light to spiritual life. Jesus declared: “I am the light of the world.” He promises that those who follow in His light will not walk in darkness, “but shall have the light of life.” Notice how He describes His light. He calls it “the light of life.” Light is essential to spiritual life. Are you walking in the light of Christ?
Malachi 4:2
October 9, 2021
John 8:13 – The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.
Thought: The Pharisees might be referred to as “the opposition party” of Jesus. When Jesus claimed to be the light of the world, they opposed His claims. They said: “Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.” Just because a man testifies on his own behalf does not make his testimony false. It very well could be true. It was not enough for these religious leaders to make a claim. They needed to prove it. Their hope was if they denied it long enough and loud enough some would believe them.
John 5:31-27
October 10, 2021
John 8:14 – Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I came, and wither I go.
Thought: Jesus affirmed the testimony He gave of Himself was true. Jesus knew things about Himself that these men could never know. “…for I know whence I came and wither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I came, and wither I go.” Jesus had a preexistent state as a spirit being in the Godhead. One day, He would return to heaven and occupy a position of glory once again. The Jewish leaders did not know this about the Christ. If they were told about it, they would deny it. They judged without facts.
John 16:28
October 11, 2021
John 8:15, 16 – Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.
Thought: All men have a tendency to judge others. The Pharisees and other Jewish leaders involved themselves in this practice constantly. They were cruel and harsh in their judgments. Jesus here says that they judged “after the flesh.” In other words, they judged according to the appearance, not always by the truth and by the facts. Jesus, on the other hand, judged no man. This was not His mission at the time. But, if He did judge, His judgment would be true. Too, the Father could confirm His judgments.
I Samuel 16:7
October 12, 2021
John 8:17, 18 – It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.
Thought: It is never enjoyable when a person is able to use your own teachings against you. Jesus claimed to be the Son of God. If His were the only testimony, it would not stand in the council of the Jews. His, however, was not the only testimony. There was also the heavenly Father’s testimony. According to the Law of Moses, this was sufficient testimony of the truth. In other words, the religious leaders of Jesus’ day should have accepted it. When they denied it, they disobeyed their own law.
Deuteronomy 19:15
October 13, 2021
John 8:19 – Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.
Thought: Since Jesus used His Father as a witness to the truthfulness of His words, the Jews immediately asked: “Where is thy Father?” The only father they knew was Joseph. They had no clue about God as His Father. Jesus and the Father were tied together. To know Jesus is to know the Father. If a person does not know Jesus, he does not know the Father. Sadly, the Jews knew neither.
Luke 10:21-22
October 14, 2021
John 8:20 – These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.
Thought: Jesus was in a very public place making His doctrine known. It was a risky and dangerous place to be teaching. On this occasion, “no man laid hands on him.” They may have wanted to, but they did not. The reason they did not is stated: “…for his hour was not yet come.” God’s providential hand was at work. Until God wants Jesus arrested and tried, no desire of men to do it will be accomplished. We stand amazed at God’s providential care. Too, we are thankful for it.
Luke 13:31-33
October 15, 2021
John 8:21 – Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.
Thought: Jesus, the Messiah, was in the presence of the Jews. One day, He would leave the earth. Sadly, the Jews would continue to seek the Christ because they did not accept Him when He came. Their rejection of Him would cause them to die in their sins. When they died in their sins, they would not be able to be with the Christ eternally. My friends, the same concept is true today. If you reject the Christ, you will die in your sins. If you die lost, you cannot be with Him forever.
Acts 4:12
October 16, 2021
John 8:22 – Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.
Thought: The Jews only thought in physical terms. Jesus had said: “…whither I go, ye cannot come.” They never reasoned that He could ascend into the heavens. They could only contemplate the idea of suicide. They asked: “Will he kill himself?” This response to Jesus was shallow for two reasons. First, they could kill themselves and go where Jesus would go. Second, they would eventually die and enter the hadean realm. The truth was that it is by rejecting Jesus that no one can go where He is.
Psalm 92:5-6
October 17, 2021
John 8:23 – And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world, I am not of this world.
Thought: Jesus attempts to explain who He is to the Jews. Remember, they knew his parents. This was the carpenter’s son. They also knew where He was reared, in Nazareth in Galilee. This would not be an easy explanation to grasp. He contrasts Himself with them. “Ye are from beneath,” of this world. “I am from above,” not of this world. No one until now could make such a claim about himself. It was almost impossible for the Jews to conceive that Jesus was God. Aren’t we glad it is easier for us?
Philippians 2:6-7
October 18, 2021
John 8:24 – I saith therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
Thought: Jesus now stresses the importance of believing in Him. Man is in sin. There is one God who loved Him and acted on his behalf. He sent His one Son to die on Calvary as and offering and sacrifice. There is only one way to obtain the benefits of His death. The key element in the salvation process is faith. Jesus tells us: “…for it ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” He is the only means of salvation. It is found nowhere else. Salvation is exclusively in Christ! My friend, believe!
John 3:36
October 19, 2021
John 8:25 – Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, even the same that said unto you from the beginning.
Thought: During the conversation about where Jesus originated, the Jews asked Him: “Who art thou?” The answer to that question should have been obvious. Others had recognized who He was. Jesus told them that He was same as He had always been. He never deviated from His message. He never strayed from telling them the true about His identity. The trouble was not the words of Jesus. The trouble lay in the hearts of the Jews. If we cannot accept the Christ, we need to check our heart.
Acts 7:51-54
October 20, 2021
John 8:26, 27 – I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him. They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.
Thought: Jesus had told the Jews that unless they believed on Him they would die in their sins. He now tells them that He has many more things about which He could speak regarding their corrupt lives. However, this would not be done by His choosing. Jesus was operating under the authority of His heavenly Father. He affirms that God is true, that is, truthful. When He authorized Jesus to speak, Jesus would proclaim them to the world. The Jews still did not understand about whom He spake.
John 12:49-50
October 21, 2021
John 8:28 – Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
Thought: Have you ever learned something, but wished you had come to know it earlier? This happened to some of the Jews. While living, Jesus told them the truth about His identity and His mission, but they rejected Him. But, there would come a time when they would know “that I am he.” When? After He was “lifted up,” that is, after His crucifixion. The fulfillment of prophecy, Jesus’ resurrection, the preaching of the gospel, or the fall of Jerusalem may have contributed to their belief.
Acts 6:7
October 22, 2021
John 8:29 – And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
Thought: The one thing upon which Jesus could always rely is that His Father was with Him. Jesus affirmed this truth with these words: “…the Father hath not left me alone.” Regardless of who rejected Him on the earth, Jesus always had one upon whom He could depend, His heavenly Father. This relationship was made sure by one thing that Jesus did. He always sought to do those things that please the Father. We, too, have this same assurance. If we will obey God, He will always be with us.
II John 9
October 23, 2021
John 8:30 – As he spoke these words, many believed on him.
Thought: Not all that heard Jesus rejected Him. On this occasion, many believed on Him. There are times when light bulbs are turned on in the mind. Something is said, that brings everything into clear focus. Such was the case here. This is the reason that we cannot quit speaking the saving message of the gospel of Christ. Those who do not understand today may understand tomorrow. Those who do not believe today may believe tomorrow. One more word may bring clarity to another’s mind.
Romans 10:17
October 24, 2021
John 8:31 – Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.
Thought: In this verse, Jesus reveals one of the elements or badges of discipleship. Those who continue in Jesus’ word are true disciples. To continue means: “to stay, to remain, to hold to, to keep, and to never depart.” There are many who want a relationship with Jesus apart from His words. That’s impossible. Jesus and His words are inseparable. The word “disciple” means “one who sits at the feet of another to learn.” No one can be a disciple of Jesus and refuse to hear and obey His words.
I Timothy 4:16
October 25, 2021
John 8:32 – And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Thought: It is amazing to see how much information God’s Word can hold in one brief verse. In this verse, three things stand out. First, truth exists. There are not many truths. Each man does not create his own truth. God has revealed the truth in His word (John 17:17). Second, it is possible to “know” the truth. Truth is not left up to each one’s interpretation. There is one meaning, and it can be known. Third, truth sets one free. Until one learns and obeys the truth, he is in bondage to sin.
Psalm 25:4-5
October 26, 2021
John 8:33 – They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free.
Thought: The Jews were both dishonest and ignorant in this response. They said they “were never in bondage to any man.” This was a lie. At that very moment, they were in bondage to Rome. There were many things the Jews were not free to do without the authorization of the Roman government. Too, they showed their ignorance by failing to acknowledge that bondage exists in many forms. Another bondage is spiritual bondage. This is bondage to sin and the cruel taskmaster, Satan.
Romans 6:16-22
October 27, 2021
John 8:34 – Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosover committeth sin is the servant of sin.
Thought: Jesus quickly turned the minds of these Jews to the spiritual world. He notes there is another bondage other than physical bondage. He said: “Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” Jesus is referring to those who keep on committing sin, whose lives involve the habitual practice of sin. These individuals are in bondage. It is a spiritual bondage. These individuals are caught in the clutches of the evil one. They desperately need to be free. And, only the truth can set them free.
Proverbs 5:22
October 28, 2021
John 8:35 – And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
Thought: Jesus had just referred to those who commit sin as being slaves to sin. A servant is not a permanent part of a household. He can be retired and replaced at any time. He has nothing in the house that belongs to him. Too, he has no inheritance therein. The son, however, is just the opposite. He does abide in the family forever. He has rights. He has property. He has the promise of an inheritance. Sadly, the Jews believed themselves to be God’s children, but they were slaves to sin.
Romans 8:14-17
October 29, 2021
John 8:36 – If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Thought: As long as the Jews rejected Jesus, they would continue in their sins. It was only through the Christ that they could be made free. The freedom that Jesus offered was not artificial. It was not a false promise. Jesus said: “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” One would think that everyone would desire such freedom, but they do not. Thus, we ask: “Why?” One of the reasons is because Satan has fooled them into thinking that freedom in Christ is really bondage.
II Corinthians 3:17
October 30, 2021
John 8:37 – I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but he seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
Thought: Jesus had said that the Jews were slaves to sin. Therefore, they were in spiritual bondage and needed to be set free. Now, He affirms that He understands that they are Abraham’s seed. These chosen ones, however, rejected Jesus’ words and sought to kill Him. This was part of their sin. Here, we learn that children of God can so sin as to have the need to be set free. A child of God can sin in such a way that he can be lost. A child of God can be in bondage to sin and have the need to be set free.
II Peter 2:20-22
October 31, 2021
John 8:38 – I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.
Thought: Jesus was a being who was separate from God the Father. He had been sent to earth to speak about the divine plan that could save all men from their sins. Jesus never deviated from that mission. The Jews also did that which they had seen with their father. The question that arises is: “Who was the father of the Jews?” Jesus was not referring to the Father of heaven. Was He referencing Abraham who was considered “the father of the Jews”? Or, did Jesus have reference to a totally different father?
John 14:10
Read devotionals for November 2021