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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for April 2022
May 1, 2022
John 13:13 – Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
Thought: Jesus established the magnitude of the act He just performed by reminding His disciples of His position. He is their Master. This means they were His servants. He is their Lord. In other words, He was the person who possessed supreme authority. The Master was the one who bowed in the presence of the disciples. The Lord was the one who had washed the feet of His servants. It was an act of humility. It was an act of condescension. The actions of Jesus should have caused all concern like it had Peter.
John 20:27-28
May 2, 2022
John 13:14, 15 – If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
Thought: Some religious people put the emphasis of Jesus’ teaching on the act of foot-washing. Some even teach that this must be done in order to be saved. Jesus really used the act as an example of servitude to others. This was a much needed act of service in those days. Sandals were worn. The roads were made of dirt. Those who entered into the home of another came with dusty feet. Servants normally washed feet. This time it was Jesus. He exhorted His disciple to do likewise. He taught His followers to be servants.
Galatians 5:13
May 3, 2022
John 13:16 – Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
Thought: This thought needs to be learned by every follower of Jesus Christ. The servant is not greater than his lord. If the lord was willing to serve, the followers must serve. If the lord suffered persecution, the followers must suffer persecution. If the lord was subject to death, the followers must be subject to death. Too often, we wonder: “Why me?” Instead, we should be thankful that we have been counted worthy to be like Jesus. Dear reader, if you are called upon to serve, do it with joy. You are following in Jesus’ footsteps.
Matthew 10:24-25
May 4, 2022
John 13:17 – If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
Thought: Knowledge alone is not enough. Knowledge must be applied to be beneficial to one’s life. Jesus had taught His disciples how to serve. He, their Lord and Master, had washed their feet. But, merely understanding what servitude looks like was not enough. Servitude must be put in practiced. This is where Jesus’ teachings get ugly to some. They love to hear the word, but they do not enjoy applying it. Those who recoil at Jesus’ example need to remember the promise given to those who follow it. “Happy are ye.”
Psalm 19:11
May 5, 2022
John 13:18 – I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.
Thought: Jesus had previously said that not all of the disciples were clean. He knew that one of His apostles will betray Him. He knew exactly who it was, but He did not name him. Instead, He notes that this betrayal was a fulfillment of Bible prophecy. The Scripture He quotes says: “He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.” To eat bread with someone indicated the two had fellowship with one another. There was an intimate connection between them. Thus, Jesus’ friend would conspire against Him.
Psalm 41:9
May 6, 2022
John 13:19 – Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.
Thought: The test of a true prophet is whether his words spoken about future events came to pass. Jesus understood this test. Thus, He makes known Judas’ betrayal before it actually came to pass. When it happened, the disciples would remember Jesus’ words. Too, this would help to confirm that Jesus was truly the Christ, the Son of God. The proofs of Jesus’ deity were many: His teaching, His miracles, His perfect life, and His prophecies. All could have known, and should have known, that the Messiah was here.
Deuteronomy 18:22
May 7, 2022
John 13:20 – Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
Thought: Here, Jesus introduces us to the concept of delegated authority. Those who have received authority from another are acting on that individual’s behalf. The apostles were agents of Jesus. Jesus was sent from the Father. Thus, to accept the apostles was to accept both Jesus and the Father. The opposite was also true. To reject the apostles, was to reject Jesus and the Father. The authority of the apostles was ultimately transmitted to God’s Word. Have you received the Word? Or, have you rejected it?
Luke 10:16
May 8, 2022
John 13:21, 22 – When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.
Thought: The knowledge that one of His disciples would betray Him was deeply distressing to Jesus. The text reveals that “he was troubled in spirit.” He plainly reveals to His disciples that “one of you shall betray me.” This is the third time Jesus has mentioned the betrayal in some way (John 13:11, 18). This verse reveals Jesus’ humanity to us. His reaction to a betrayal was exactly as ours would be. We, too, would be troubled deep within. Jesus words stirred the disciples. They wondered: “Who could this be? Who would do this?”
John 11:33
May 9, 2022
John 13:23 – Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
Thought: If the disciples were eating, how could one of them lean on Jesus’ bosom? The answer is found in the eating customs of the day. They were not seated in chairs. They were lying side by side on the floor. Thus, it was easy to lean on the person’s chest behind you. The disciple who did this is referred to as the disciple “whom Jesus loved.” This phrase is found five times, but only in John’s gospel. It is John’s way of referring to himself and the close relationship he had with Jesus. Oh that all could have such a relationship.
John 19:26
May 10, 2022
John 13:24 – Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.
Thought: Simon Peter is usually the impetuous one. He is quick to speak out. He is quick to answer questions. However, on this occasion he beckons to John “that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.” Jesus had told the disciples that one of them would betray Him. This weighed heavily on their minds. They were twelve in number. All were present. Which one of them would do such a dastardly deed? Peter wondered, but could not ask for the person’s identity. He sought to get John to ask. Would he?
Matthew 26:31-33
May 11, 2022
John 13:25 – He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?
Thought: John picked up on Peter’s cue and immediately asked Jesus: “Lord, who is it?” Jesus had only said: “One of you shall betray me.” This meant one the twelve in the room. Of course their curiosity was pricked. Of course they would like to know exactly who it was of whom Jesus spoke. Each one would be relieved to know that He was not speaking of him. And, each one would also be shocked when the identity of the traitor was revealed. Sometimes curiosity can get one into trouble. At other times, it can be a very useful tool.
II Samuel 12:5-7
May 12, 2022
John 13:26 – Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.
Thought: Jesus gave the disciples a clear sign as to whom the person was who would betray Him. Bread was a staple of most meals. Too, a sauce was provided in which the bread could be dipped. Jesus told the disciples that the one to whom he passed the bread dipped in the sauce was the culprit. The apostle to whom it was given was Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son. Judas was now exposed. The eleven should have known beyond doubt that Judas was the guilty party. Can we imagine the embarrassment of Judas on this occasion?
John 6:70-71
May 13, 2022
John 13:27 – And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.
Thought: When Jesus revealed Judas as His betrayer, the Bible says: “Satan entered into him.” This can only be done if the individual allows Satan’s presence into his life. Having been exposed, Judas was now much bolder in his purpose to betray the Christ. His willingness to sin was far greater than his desire to repent of his transgression. Jesus exhorted Judas, saying: “That thou doest, do quickly.” Jesus knew His hour was near. There were no more delays. Judas had a role. It was time for him to take the stage.
John 13:2
May 14, 2022
John 13:28, 29 – Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him. For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.
Thought: Even though Jesus had given a very clear sign that it was Judas who would betray Him, the disciples did not comprehend the fact. When Jesus told Judas to perform his act of betrayal quickly, the disciples reasoned incorrectly about the meaning of Jesus’ words. Perhaps He was instructing Judas to go buy goods needed for the remainder of the feast or to give money to the poor. What would they have done had they truly understood what Judas was about to do? Would they have tried to stop him?
Acts 22:6-9
May 15, 2022
John 13:30 – He, then, having received the sop went immediately out; and it was night.
Thought: Judas now leaves the upper room. He left knowing that Jesus knew about his plans. He should have been ashamed. Jesus’ exposure of him should have brought a change of heart. This change of heart should have caused him to cancel his plans of betrayal. Such would not be the case. He knew Jesus and the eleven would soon enter the Garden of Gethsemane. His hardened heart would enable him to lead the mob to arrest Jesus. Not long after that, this traitor would come to understand the magnitude of his actions.
Proverbs 4:16-17
May 16, 2022
John 13:31 – Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
Thought: The revelation of Jesus’ whereabouts to the Jewish authorities was the final act that would bring Jesus into their custody. This would lead to His death soon thereafter. By means of death, Jesus would be glorified. Jesus knew this would be the case. Thus, He spoke of His glorification as a present reality. “Now is the Son of man glorified.” When Jesus was glorified, the Father would also be glorified. The plan to redeem mankind would be fulfilled. The evil one would be crushed. Salvation would be available for all.
John 12:23-24
May 17, 2022
John 13:32 – If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.
Thought: Glory is one aspect of God’s nature. All that God does brings Him glory. What Jesus was going to do on the cross would bring glory to the Father. In like manner, God would glorify His Son through this selfless act. Jesus said all this would be done “straightway.” In the matter of just a few hours Jesus would be hanging in disgrace on the accursed tree on the hill of Golgotha. He would be betrayed, shunned, and treated with injustice. He would face the sentence of death but the glory of God would prevail.
John 17:5
May 18, 2022
John 13:33 – Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me; and as I said unto the Jews, whither I go, ye cannot come so now I say to you.
Thought: Jesus knew that it would not be long until He would die, be raised from the dead, and ascend to the Father. Therefore, He told the disciples: “Yet a little while I am with you.” We know that Jesus had reference to the ascension because He told His followers: “Ye shall seek me…whither I go, ye cannot come.” Jesus would ascend into the heavens and take His place at the right hand of God. He would be given a kingdom. At that time, the disciples would have a mission. Jesus was about to discuss it with them.
John 7:33
May 19, 2022
John 13:34 – A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
Thought: The command to love one’s neighbor was not new in the sense that it had never been revealed to mankind in the past. It was new in the sense of the standard to which it was elevated. Jesus exhorted His disciples to love each other “as I have loved you.” That, dear readers, is the new aspect of the command. They were to love each other as deity had loved them. That is a tall order. The love of Jesus toward His apostles was a perfect love. It involved every aspect of agape love. Think about that. Love as Jesus loved.
Leviticus 19:34
May 20, 2022
John 13:35 – By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Thought: John reveals three “badges” of discipleship: continuing in the word, bearing much fruit, and showing love one toward another. Love for one another is an essential. No one wants to be part of a group that bickers and argues all of the time, or whose members are disinterested in one another’s needs. No one wants to associate with people are constantly judgmental of each another. Evil speaking never impresses outsiders. Love, on the other hand, draws men to our fellowship. They see our love and desire have it.
I John 4:20-21
May 21, 2022
John 13:36 - Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Wither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.
Thought: An announcement of a departure by a loved one brings sadness to the heart. Jesus had told His disciples He was going away. This weighed heavily upon Peter’s heart. Thus, he asked: “Lord wither goest thou?” Sometimes it helps to know where the person is going. Perhaps we might even be able to go with them. This, however, was not an immediate option for Jesus’ chosen. Jesus said: “Whither I go, thou canst follow me now.” They had a mission to accomplish. One day, though, they would go to be with the Christ.
II Peter 1:14
May 22, 2022
John 13:37 – Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.
Thought: Peter did not understand that Jesus was departing into the hadean realm, or, that he was departing soon to return to heaven. He thought Jesus was going somewhere on a journey by Himself. Peter wanted to go. Like a child he asked: “Why cannot I follow thee now?” As one full of self-confidence, he continued: “I will lay down my life for thee.” Peter’s present attitude would not hold up in the near future. Right now, however, he was certain, sure, and confident. We might be as well. Dear reader, one day the test will come.
Mark 14:27-29
May 23, 2022
John 13:38 – Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, the cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.
Thought: Jesus responds to Peter’s affirmation with a question. “Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake?” Before Peter could answer, Jesus revealed a harsh reality to His follower. “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, the cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.” Peter must have been stunned, but he did not reply. These words must have sunk deep into the heart of this man who thought himself to be a loyal servant of Christ. “Surely, not me, Lord,” Peter must have thought. But, he knew the one who spoke the words.
Proverbs 28:26
May 24, 2022
John 14:1 – Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
Thought: Jesus had said many troubling things to His apostles in this discussion. He was going away. Where He going they could not come. One of His own would betray Him. Peter would deny Him three times before the rooter’s crow in the morning. These were definitely troubling things to hear from the Lord. Since He spoke them, the disciples knew they were true. The remedy for their troubled hearts was faith. “Ye believe in God, believe also in me.” If we believe, trouble will come, but we need not be troubled.
Psalm 43:5
May 25, 2022
John 14:2 – In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Thought: The old hymn says: “There’s a mansion now empty just waiting for you.” Those words are based upon Jesus’ statement to His disciples in this verse. “In my Father’s house are many mansions.” When Jesus ascended to the Father’s right hand, He made preparations for receive all those who are faithful and loyal to Him. He wants them to be where He. His promise is true. Jesus assures us with the words: “If it were not so, I would have told you.” My friends, we may have nothing here, but we will have everything there.
Hebrews 11:14-16
May 26, 2022
John 14:3 – And If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Thought: Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us. These were His exact words (John 14:2). This place is not here. He has also made us a promise. That promise is that He will come again and receive us unto Himself. Where He is right now is where He longs for us to be. Dear readers, the place will be wonderful. But, listen to Jesus. “…that where I am, there ye may be also.” He is much more interested in being with us. The place seems incidental. Jesus longs to be with us. His people are more important than the place they occupy.
II Thessalonians 2:1
May 27, 2022
John 14:4 – And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
Thought: Jesus had been honest with His disciples. He had told them on numerous occasions that He must die at the hands of the Jewish leaders. He had also told them of His resurrection. He also informed them of His departure from the earth. Thus, He could affirm: “And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.” If they did not know, it was because their ears were dull of hearing. Doesn’t this happen to us at times? We hear, but we do not hear. For some reason, we are not engaged. Thus, we do not know the things we should.
Hebrews 5:11
May 28, 2022
John 14:5 – Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
Thought: Thomas’ statement to our Lord shows that he did not understand all that Jesus had been teaching regarding His death and resurrection. He thought of the destination to which Jesus was going as a place on earth. “Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?” We might be quick to judge Thomas, but how often do we fail to grasp important spiritual truths? Thomas was hearing many things for the first time. We often hear them multiple times, but fail to comprehend and apply Jesus’ word to our lives.
Mark 8:17-18
May 29, 2022
John 14:6 – Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Thought: Jesus always took advantage of “teachable moments.” Thomas had asked: “How can we know the way?” This is a question all men and women should ask. Fortunately, there is an answer. Jesus is the way. As He said: “No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Jesus teaches the concept of exclusivity. Jesus is the exclusive Savior. There is none other. Christianity is the exclusive religion. There is no other true religion. Freedom from sin, peace with God, and a hope of heaven can only be found in Jesus Christ.
Acts 4:12
May 30, 2022
John 14:7 – If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Thought: Jesus came to this earth in order to manifest the Father to all men. Those who come to know Jesus know the Father also. Jesus is God. Jesus manifests the qualities of God. Jesus performs the works of deity. Jesus loves and cares like God. Jesus is holy like God. Jesus expresses righteous indignation like the heavenly Father. Truly, Jesus is the express image of God. Mankind was truly blessed to have Jesus come to this earth. A God who seemed so far off is more understood, appreciated, and loved because of the Christ.
Hebrews 1:2-3
May 31, 2022
John 14:8 – Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
Thought: In the context, Philip manifests his ignorance. His words, however, should be the desire of every human being on earth. “Show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.” To know, understand, love, and serve the Father should be the desire of all humanity. The Father is our Creator, our Provider, our Protector, and our Redeemer. The Father is our all-in-all. Unfortunately, some deny He exists. Others want nothing to do with Him. Still others only want to know Him at a distance. Such individuals will never have all they need.
Psalm 17:15
Read devotionals for June 2022