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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for February 2022
March 1, 2022
John 11:46 – But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.
Thought: There are some individuals who are loyal to evil leaders regardless of facts, evidence, and truth that prove their leaders wrong. In this verse, we find some Jews like this. Jesus had just raised Lazarus from the dead. Instead of believing in the Christ and fastening themselves to Him, they “went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.” What was their purpose? Did they want to appear loyal? Did they want the blessings of their leaders? We may never know.
Acts 5:22-25
March 2, 2022
John 11:47, 48 – Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him; and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.
Thought: When the Pharisees were informed of Lazarus’ resurrection, they immediately gathered a council together. The question they asked says it all. “What do we?” They could not deny the miracles of Jesus. They admitted: “…for this man doeth many miracles.” If they did nothing, Jesus would pose a threat to their positions and power. Jesus would be followed instead of them. Too, if something “new” were to develop in Israel, Rome could intervene and completely take over. Yes, “What do we?”
Acts 4:13-17
March 3, 2022
John 11:49, 50 – And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, ye know nothing at all, nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.
Thought: The high priest was appointed by Rome at this time in history. Thus, it was political, as well as, religious in nature. Caiaphas could not understand the hesitancy of the council. He attributed it to their ignorance. He saw the matter very clearly. He said: “It is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.” Caiaphas felt the death of Jesus was the only logical solution to this problem. Remember, this is the most powerful person in the nation speaking.
Psalm 109:5
March 4, 2022
John 11:51, 52 – And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; and not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.
Thought: Caiaphas had declared that one man, Jesus, should die for the nation. Caiaphas did not know that his words were prophetic. Jesus would not die for Israel only, but for all men. His death would enable Him to gather together in one the children of God that were scattered throughout the world. Jews and Gentiles, Romans and Sycthians would obey the gospel, would be cleansed by the blood of Christ, and would be added to the one church. Jesus’ death would make this possible.
Ephesians 2:13-17
March 5, 2022
John 11:53 – Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.
Thought: The high priest had spoken. Jesus needed to die. From that day forward, the Jewish leaders “took counsel together for to put him to death.” It would be interesting to know how many times they plotted and planned to have Jesus killed. It would be interesting to know to whom they spoke to help them carry out their desires. It would be interesting to know how much money they spent trying to accomplish the end they had in mind. When evil hearts are set on wickedness, they cannot be stopped.
Psalm 2:1-3
March 6, 2022
John 11:54 – Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
Thought: It is sad to see individuals reject blessings that come into their lives. It is even sadder to see individuals become enemies to someone who loves and cares for them deeply. Jesus loved the Jews. He loved these Jewish leaders. He would prove His love for them in the near future. Instead of accepting His love, the Jews plotted against Him. Jesus did not force Himself upon them. Instead, He withdrew Himself into the city of Ephraim. Dear reader, Jesus will not force Himself upon you either.
Proverbs 1:29-33
March 7, 2022
John 11:55 – And the Jews’ passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.
Thought: The Passover was one of three main festivals of the Jews. It commemorated God’s passing over the firstborn of the children of Israel while in Egypt because the blood of the paschal lamb was placed upon the doorposts and lintels. Some who had been defiled in some way, such as touching a dead body, went up early in order to purified. If this were not done, they could not be part of the festivities. When something spiritual is important to us, we do all that is necessary to be involved.
II Chron. 30:17-20
March 8, 2022
John 11:56 – Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?
Thought: All male Jews were required to attend the Passover in Jerusalem each year. When some of the Jews arrived in the city, they immediately began to seek out Jesus. He had become an important figure within the nation. Some sought Him sincerely. Others sought Him out of curiosity. Many knew the conflict that existed between the Christ and the Jewish leaders. Thus, they asked: “What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?” Jesus would be there. Fear would not keep Him from obeying God.
Exodus 23:17
March 9, 2022
John 11:57 – Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.
Thought: Some leaders like to exercise their power against others, especially those who they believe to be a threat. The only thing Jesus had done was raise Lazarus from the dead. Yet, the Pharisees wanted to find Him and put Him to death. They even used their power to command the people to tell them where Jesus could be found. Now, the people were forced to make a decision. Would they be loyal to their leaders or will they rally behind the Christ as a man of God approve among them?
Daniel 6:11-13
March 10, 2022
John 12:1, 2 – Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.
Thought: Jesus left Ephraim and returned to the home of Lazarus whom He had raised from the dead. From Bethany, the trip to Jerusalem for the passover would be very short. At the home of His friends, Jesus was treated with a supper. Martha served. Lazarus, on the other hand, sat at the table with Jesus and partook of the meal with him. The conversation they shared on this occasion must have been very interesting. Oh to have been a fly on the wall! Note, this occasion was festive and not filled with grief.
Matthew 21:17-18
March 11, 2022
John 12:3 – Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
Thought: Mary took a costly amount of “ointment of spikenard” and anointed the feet of Jesus with it. This ointment was produced from a fragrant plant grown in India. She performed this act out of respect, adoration, and love for Jesus. It was her way of manifesting her appreciation for Him. It was not the purpose of her action, but because of the nature of the spikenard, “the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.” Dear reader, good works often fill the world with a beautiful fragrance.
Song of Solomon 4:1-14
March 12, 2022
John 12:4, 5 – Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Isacriot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
Thought: When Judas knew what Mary was doing with the ointment, he immediately criticized her actions. Matthew and Mark record the first words of Judas wherein he said: “To what purpose is this waste?” He saw no benefit to Mary’s labor. He thought it would have been more beneficial for the ointment to be sold and the money given to the poor. Most things can be used for several purposes. The real question is: “Why are we so quick to condemn the good deeds of others?”
Mark 14:3-5
March 13, 2022
John 12:6 – This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
Thought: This verse is very revealing about Judas’ character. He had criticized Mary for “wasting” the ointment. He had even advocated for selling it and giving the money to the poor. However, deep in his heart he desired the money. Judas did not care for the poor. He cared only for the money. He was the treasurer for the disciples. He had been extorting money from their treasury. Judas now wanted personal access to the money from the sale of the ointment. Evil men always plot for their own gain.
Proverbs 1:10-15
March 14, 2022
John 12:7 – Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.
Thought: Jesus hastily came to Mary’s rescue. He boldly defended her, saying: “Let her alone.” He then noted Mary’s purpose for the ointment. “…against the day of my burying hath she kept this.” Robertson makes an interesting comment about these words. “This is Mary’s glory that she had some glimmering comprehension of Christ’s death which none of the disciples possessed” (e-sword). Money can be used in many profitable ways. What seems like waste to one is of great valuable to another.
Matthew 26:10-13
March 15, 2022
John 12:8 – For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.
Thought: There are many perspectives that must be considered when making decisions. Mary could have kept her ointment of spikenard for herself. She could have given it as a gift to someone else. She could have sold it and given the money to the poor. Or, she could have used it to anoint the feet of Jesus. Jesus noted that the poor could be assisted at any time. He, however, would soon die. There are times when we must do things when we have the opportunity lest the opportunity pass from us.
Deuteronomy 15:11
March 16, 2022
John 12:9 – Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.
Thought: There were many who could testify that Lazarus had really died. Now, he was alive because of the authority of Jesus over death. To be able to see one who was raised from the dead was a unique experience. Therefore, many made their way to Bethany to see him. Lazarus’ life was not the same after his resurrection. Can you imagine the conversations he must have had with people? Can you imagine the questions he was asked. And, it all came back to Jesus. Lazarus was proof of Jesus’ power.
Acts 4:8-14
March 17, 2022
John 12:10, 11 – But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.
Thought: The evil hearts of the chief priests are revealed to us again. They were already plotting against the life of Jesus. Now, they desired to put Lazarus to death. Life to these Jewish leaders was cheap. It is difficult to imagine that individuals would be willing to take an innocent person’s life in order to advance their cause. This is especially true if the individuals who want to commit murder claim to be spiritual people. Sadly, religion does not always benefit those who embrace it.
Exodus 20:13
March 18, 2022
John 12:12, 13 – On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Thought: Events that bring wonder are quickly reported to the public. The resurrection of Lazarus spread like a wildfire. Thus, when Jesus made His way to Jerusalem for the feast “much people…went forth to meet him.” They were convinced Jesus was “the King of Israel.” In their excitement, they laid branches of palm trees before Him, and, cried: “Hosanna.” “Hosanna” means “to show favor, to save, or to grant blessings.” The people wanted Jesus to bring favor to their nation as the Messiah.
Psalm 118:25-26
March 19, 2022
John 12:14, 15 – And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.
Thought: Jesus knew He was a King. Thus, He took part in this royal procession in Jerusalem known as “The Triumphant Entry.” Jesus had prepared for this moment by instructing His disciples to get a colt upon which he would ride. This colt had never been used for domestic or agricultural purposes. The use of this colt was sacred. Jesus’ actions fulfilled more prophecy. Zechariah had proclaimed: “Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.”
Zechariah 9:9
March 20, 2022
John 12:16 – These things understood not his disciples at first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.
Thought: Time has to pass before we are able to understand some teachings and experiences in our lives. The disciples of Jesus saw His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, but “these things understood not his disciples at first.” They probably did not say anything to Jesus, but they were confused. Following His resurrection and ascension to the right hand of God, these things became clear in their minds. Dear reader, if you don’t understand right now, don’t give up. In time, some things will be made clearer.
Luke 24:6-8
March 21, 2022
John 12:17 – The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead bare record.
Thought: Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as a King was problematic for the Jews. Adding to their problem were those who had witnessed Lazarus’ resurrection. They affirmed to others that Jesus had merely spoken the words: “Lazarus, come forth,” and Lazarus walked out of the tomb in his grave clothes. Witnesses were very important to the Jews. By the mouth of two or three, every word was established. The Jewish leaders, therefore, could not deny the miracle. They could only destroy those involved.
Acts 5:29-33
March 22, 2022
John 12:18 – For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.
Thought: People for the most part are very curious. Their curiosity can be sparked very quickly. The news of a man being raised from the dead would move many to seek out the one who had performed the miracle. This happened when the witnesses of Lazarus’ resurrection spread the news of that marvelous wonder. Individuals flocked to the Christ. When they found Him, they were not disappointed. His character, His love, and His teachings were magnetic. Many became His disciples.
Acts 2:4-8
March 23, 2022
John 12:19 – The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.
Thought: The Pharisees had their eyes upon Jesus constantly. When they saw His royal entry into Jerusalem, they knew their efforts against Him had been useless. “Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing?” This event proved to them that “the whole world is gone after him.” In their words we hear jealousy, envy, spite, anger, hostility, and a desire to rid themselves of “their enemy.” Evil seldom examines its motive or actions. Evil seeks only to fulfill its agenda. In this case, the agenda was death.
Psalm 22:27-31
March 24, 2022
John 12:20 – And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast.
Thought: We are introduced to an interesting term in this text. It is the word “Greeks.” There were three ways this word could be applied in the first century. Sometimes, it was applied to Jews who lived in Greek cities and spoke the Greek language. It was also applied to Greeks who were proselytes of the Jewish religion. It was also a word that was applied to all who were not Jews. The only indication that these may have been proselytes is in the fact that they “came up to worship at the feast.”
Acts 13:43
March 25, 2022
John 12:21 – The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
Thought: Some believe these “Greeks” approached Philip because they may have known him since he lived near Bethsaida. Their request was simple: “Sir, we would see Jesus.” Jesus was known for many things: His teachings, His miracles, the resurrection of Lazarus, and His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. He was also known because he was despised by the Jewish leaders. What caused these Greeks to want to see Jesus is not revealed. We do know that curiosity has brought salvation to many.
Luke 19:1-4
March 26, 2022
John 12:22 – Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.
Thought: At times, we find ourselves in difficult positions wherein difficult decisions must be made. Instead of making these decisions by ourselves, we want another’s input. This is what Philip did. He first counselled with Andrew about the desire of the Gentiles to see Jesus. After speaking with him, the text reveals that both of the men approached Jesus about the matter. It appears to have been a matter that Jesus needed to decide for Himself. At least the information was not hidden from him.
Proverbs 11:14
March 27, 2022
John 12:23 – And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
Thought: Jesus’ response to Andrew and Philip seems a little odd at first. Jesus does not say whether He would see the Gentiles or not. Instead, He proclaims: “The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.” The interest of the Gentiles caused Jesus to look to the cross. Following that event, the Gentiles could seek Him and find salvation. Jesus knew that time was not far off. The Jews would mean it for evil, but it would bring the hope of salvation to all, both Jews and Gentiles.
Isaiah 55:5
March 28, 2022
John 12:24 – Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
Thought: Many things in the natural world can be compared to spiritual things. The reason for this is because God created the world in His wisdom. Jesus compared His death to the sowing of wheat into the ground. In order to produce an abundant harvest, the wheat had to fall into the ground, die, and abide alone. In time, it would germinate, sprout, grow, and produce a harvest. In like manner, Jesus would die and be placed in a tomb alone. In time, He would come forth and produce a harvest as well.
I Corinthians 15:36-38
March 29, 2022
John 12:25 – He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto eternal life.
Thought: Jesus states a very simple spiritual principle. If a person loves his life here and will not give it up for the cause of Christ, he will lose eternal life. On the other hand, if a person is willing to give up his physical life now, in the world to come he will reap eternal life. The principle is ironic. In order to receive life, one must first give up his life. Most will never have to make this choice. However, everyone who wants to obtain eternal life must have a heart that would have made that choice.
Acts 21:11-13
March 30, 2022
John 12:26 – If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
Thought: Jesus sets forth one obligation and two promises in this verse. First, those who serve Him must be willing to follow Him. In fact, they must be willing to follow Him to death. Those who make such a commitment will have fellowship with the Son at all times. Too, they will be honored by the Father in heaven. The commitment is huge. One never knows where he might have to follow the Christ. The promises, however, are huge as well. The promises are well-worth the commitment.
I John 2:4-6
March 31, 2022
John 12:27 – Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
Thought: Jesus now begins to experience the emotional anticipation of the cross. He said: “Now my soul is troubled.” The word “troubled” means “to be agitated.” Jesus’ mind was not calm. Instead, He felt a sense of distress. His spirit was facing both terror and dread at what lay in the near future. He desired to be delivered from the afflictions. However, He knew “but for this cause came I unto this hour.” Man’s will and God’s will were in conflict. Fortunately, Jesus knew His mission.
Mark 14:33-36
Read devotionals for April 2022