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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for August 2022
September 1, 2022
John 18:9 – That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.
Thought: There are two ways that one might look at the word “lost” in this verse. Even with all the controversy that surrounded Jesus during His ministry, He had lost none of His disciples to death. He did not want this to transpire on this evening. Therefore, He asked them to be sent away. The second meaning of the word “lost” could involve betrayal and apostasy. None of them was lost in this manner, except Judas Iscariot. Sadly, his betrayal was known long beforehand by the prophet.
John 17:12
September 2, 2022
John 18:10 – Then Simon Peter, having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
Thought: Simon Peter was ready to physically fight to save his Master. He took his sword and cut off the right ear of a man named Malchus. This man was the servant of the high priest. Was this happenstance? Or, did this involve the providence of God? This man would have been very close to high priest. He would have been able to report this story to the high priest. How would he react to this event? Would this be just one of many thorns to wound his conscience?
Luke 22:33
September 3, 2022
John 18:11 – Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?
Thought: Peter’s actions seemed reasonable. This mob was there to arrest his innocent Master. Surely, it was right to protect Him from them. However, Peter did not understand everything that was happening in the spiritual world at that time. Jesus’ death was the Father’s will. It was needed to secure the forgiveness of sins for lost humanity. For God’s plan to be accomplished, Jesus had to be arrested, tried, sentenced, and crucified. Peter wasn’t aware of the magnitude of this moment.
Isaiah 53:10-11
September 4, 2022
John 18:12, 13 – Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him, and led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.
Thought: Jesus was now in the custody of the Jews. The trials, or perhaps better labeled, kangaroo courts, were about to begin. Jesus was taken first to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas. It should be noted that it was not uncommon for two man to occupy the office of high priest. Often, there was a transition from one to another. These proceedings were never intended to be fair. They were never intended to get to the truth. There was one agenda in the mind of the Jews. Jesus had to die.
Luke 3:1-2
September 5, 2022
John 18:14 – Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
Thought: It is sad when men fail to value ALL human life. It is sad when taking innocent life is considered an appropriate action. This was the sentiment of Caiaphas with regard to Jesus. Jesus’ life and teachings had a profound impact upon the Jews. It was said that He taught has one having authority and not as the scribes. Thus, the Jewish leaders hated him. Caiaphas reasoned “that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.” Little did he know it was really necessary.
John 11:49-52
September 6, 2022
John 18:15 – And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.
Thought: When Jesus was first taken into custody all of His disciples forsook Him and fled. Two, however, did not enter into hiding. Peter and John followed. Because of John’s association with the high priest, they were allowed to enter into the palace of the high priest. What were their purposes? Curiosity could have proved dangerous. Any support for Jesus could prove dangerous as well. Perhaps they desired to be messengers to the other disciples. We are not told why, but thy were there.
Matthew 26:58
September 7, 2022
John 18:16 – But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.
Thought: Peter and John fled from the garden, but they did not flee very far. Both of them followed the crowd to the palace. John was known to the high priest. Therefore, he had relationships with the workers in and around the palace. When they arrived at the door, he not only gained access for himself, but for Peter also. Having relationships with others is important. Some refer to this as networking. Others can give us access to things that we could not do by ourselves.
Matthew 26:58
September 8, 2022
John 18:17 – Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man’s disciples? He saith, I am not.
Thought: Peter had told the Lord that he would never be offended because of Him. Now comes the first test. John enables Peter to enter the door into the palace of the high priest. As the damsel opens the door, she asks: “Art not thou also one of this man’s disciples?” Remember, this is just a servant. She is not in a position of great power. However, perhaps Peter thought that she might be able to expose him to someone in authority. Thus, he replies: “I am not.” The test came, and Peter failed it.
Matthew 26:31-33
September 9, 2022
John 18:18 – And the servants and the officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals, for it was cold; and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.
Thought: Sometimes the Bible mentions things only in passing. However, when these incidentals are considered fully, they are of vital importance. Peter is now in the palace area. He stood with the servants and officers who had work and official business in the palace. Notice, however, that they all stood around a fire of coals. Why? The text says: “…for it was cold.” Sometimes the cold tempera-tures are not mentioned as part of the agony of the crucifixion. This would only add to Jesus’ pain.
II Corinthians 11:27
September 10, 2022
John 18:19 – The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.
Thought: This was the first time Jesus was brought before the high priest. Immediately, the high priest began to question the Christ. He asked about His disciples. He also questioned Him about his doctrine or teaching. Questions, in and of themselves, are not evil. What can be evil is the intent of the questions. For the average man, this is often difficult to ascertain. Jesus, however, could read the hearts of men. He knew full well what He was up against. Would He answer this man of authority?
Luke 11:53-54
September 11, 2022
John 18:20 – Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret I have said nothing.
Thought: Did the high priest ask a general question? Or, did he ask Jesus very specific questions? We are not told. When Jesus replied, He did not give a specific answer to a question. He noted that He had spoken “openly to the world.” He had taught in both the synagogue and temple. He also affirmed that “in secret I have said nothing.” Jesus’ doctrine had been made public. He had not hidden anything from anyone. All teachers need to be as transparent as Jesus. Nothing should be hidden.
Acts 26:26
September 12, 2022
John 18:21 – Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.
Thought: Jesus had been called before the high priest regarding His doctrine. He told the Jewish leader that He has proclaimed His truths in both the synagogue and the temple. Jesus knew the public was aware of His teachings. He, therefore, encouraged the high priest to ask them. This would prove Jesus’ transparency. Too, it would help to establish the “sham” nature of this court. These men knew what Jesus taught. If He had violated the law, He should be charged. They just wanted to entrap Him.
Matthew 7:28-29
September 13, 2022
John 18:22 – And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?
Thought: Jesus had stated the truth to the high priest. If the high priest and counsel wanted to know about Jesus’ teachings, they could have asked anyone who heard Him speak in the synagogue and temple. His teachings were not done in secret. Those in power, however, do not like to be confronted. Too, they believe they have the right to discipline anyone they feel is a threat to them. Thus, this officer slapped Jesus. Oh yes, he did it under the guise that Jesus was disrespectful, but his heart was evil.
Job 16:10-11
September 14, 2022
John 18:23 – Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?
Thought: Jesus often stood up for Himself. He did so on this occasion. He remarked to the man that hit Him to prove wherein He had spoken evil. If Jesus had lied, he should show evidence of that. If Jesus had twisted or manipulated the facts, the man should bear witness of that. But, if Jesus had told the truth, His being hit was unjust. Many times, individuals are not interested in the truth. They let their anger and hatred rule them instead of what is real. Justice never prevails when this happens.
I Peter 2:20-21
September 15, 2022
John 18:24 – Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.
Thought: It is interesting that Annas examines Jesus, but there is no decision made regarding His case. This is not the way justice is supposed to work. The judge is supposed to hear the facts of the case. He then is supposed to make a decision of guilt or innocence based on those facts. He is not to be deterred in any way from adhering to the truth. Unfortunately, Annas did not examine Jesus in order to get to the truth. Was his examination a mere formality? Instead of a decision, he sends Jesus to Caiaphas.
Matthew 26:57
September 16, 2022
John 18:25 – And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not.
Thought: In our minds, we want to believe that we are loyal to our Lord. But, out of nowhere, the challenge to our faith comes. The test has come. The battle is upon us. Will we be victorious? Peter’s first test came as he warmed himself by the fire. The question was simple: “Art not thou also one of his disciples?” The answer should have been a strong and powerful: “Yes I am.” Peter, however, responded by saying: “I am not.” The surroundings and situation made this strong man weak.
Matthew 26:35
September 17, 2022
John 18:26 – One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did I not see thee in the garden with him?
Thought: Sometimes we are given second chances in life. These second chances enable us to redeem ourselves from a previous failure. On talent shows the individuals auditioning may not do well initially. But, when given a second chance, they shine. Peter now had another chance to be loyal to his Lord. One of individuals who was in the crowd that came to arrest Jesus, asked Peter a simple “Yes or No” question. “Did I not see thee in the garden with him?” A simple “yes” was all that was needed.
Proverbs 12:19
September 18, 2022
John 18:27 – Peter then denied again; and immediately the cock crew.
Thought: Peter had three chances to stand for Jesus on the night the Lord was arrested. Instead of standing, he folded. Instead of confessing the Christ, he denied Him. When the cock crew, the words of Jesus had come true. He told His disciple: “Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice” (Matt. 26:34). Peter must have been overwhelmed with self-disappointment. He just knew he could stand, but he failed. What now? Was there another chance?
Matthew 26:75
September 19, 2022
John 18:28 – Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.
Thought: The Jewish leaders were sticklers when it came to laws regarding things that were clean and unclean. If the Jews had gone into the judgment hall of Pilate on this occasion, they believed that this would defile them. If they were defiled, the lengthy process of being cleansed would cause them to miss the passover. It is sad the Jews were not as concerned about the cleanliness of their hearts. They had no problem rejecting evidence and condemning a just man. Apparently, murder did not defile.
Matthew 23:25-26
September 20, 2022
John 18:29 – Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?
Thought: Man does not know where he will fall in the scheme of human events. Pilate is the Roman procurator of Judea. It is his responsibility to judge cases that are brought to him. Now, there stands before him a man named Jesus. He has been brought to him by the Jews. His question was a normal question: “What accusation bring ye against this man?” He needed to know if the case was in his jurisdiction. Too, he needed to know the nature of the case. He did not know the case’s significance.
Luke 23:6-7
September 21, 2022
John 18:30 – They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.
Thought: It appears that the Jews had brought cases to Pilate in times past wherein no questions were asked regarding the charges. Pilate merely trusted the Jews and issued the sentence they desired. On this occasion, however, Pilate questioned the charges. The Jews seem somewhat upset that Pilate has not acted as before. Thus, they say: “If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.” Pilate’s distrust upset them. Too, Pilate was their only hope of having Jesus killed.
Luke 23:1-2
September 22, 2022
John 18:31 – Then said Pilate unto them, Take him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death.
Thought: There is a lot in this verse. First, when Rome took over various nations it often let those nations continue to live by their laws as long as they did not contradict the laws of Rome. Second, it appears that Pilate did not want to get involved in this case. He wanted the Jews to handle it themselves. “Take him, and judge him according to your law.” Third, the Jews definitely wanted Jesus put to death. Fourth, the Jews were subjugated to Rome. They had restrictions put upon them.
John 8:33
September 23, 2022
John 18:32 – That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake signifying what death he should die.
Thought: Jesus did not conceal from His disciples how He would died. Several times He informed His followers that He would be crucified in the city of Jerusalem. Crucifixion, however, was not a form of capital punishment used by the Jews. It was carried out by the Romans. In order for Jesus to be crucified, He would have to be convicted in a Roman court. Now, Jesus stood before the Roman procurator named Pilate. Pilate would be the man to fulfill the words of Jesus regarding his death.
Matthew 26:1-2
September 24, 2022
John 18:33 – Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
Thought: The fact that Jesus claimed to be a King would have been something that could trouble the Roman ruler. It was he who was appointed to be the king of that region. If another arose to be the King of the Jews, he could conclude that this was a form of insurrection. Insurrection was punishable by death. Pilate allowed Jesus to testify on His own behalf. He asked a simple question: “Art thou the King of the Jews?” Little did Pilate know that he was really standing before “the King of kings.”
Luke 1:31-33
September 25, 2022
John 18:34 – Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?
Thought: Pilate, the man who is to interrogate Jesus, now becomes the person being interrogated. Pilate had asked Jesus: “Art thou the King of the Jews?” Jesus now questions Pilate about where the question originated. Was this something that originated from the mind of Pilate? Or, was this something the Jewish leaders told him? Where the question originated could have a profound impact on Pilate’s judgment on the matter. Justice is an important commodity. All want to be judged fairly.
Matthew 2:1-2
September 26, 2022
John 18:35 – Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?
Thought: Pilate tells Jesus where his information came from. It did not originate with him since he was not a Jew. It came from the Jews. “Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me.” Since the Jews had taken the time and effort to bring the Christ to him, it must have been a serious violation that Jesus had committed. Pilate gave Jesus an opportunity to answer for Himself. He asked: “What hast thou done?” Right now, his judgment hall is much fairer than that of the Jews.
Acts 19:38-40
September 27, 2022
John 18:36 – Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
Thought: If Jesus were the king of a physical kingdom, Pilate would have had a grave problem on his hands. Jesus assured Pilate that His kingdom was not of this world. Jesus did not come to establish a physical kingdom, but a spiritual kingdom, the church. He sets forth a proof that His kingdom wasn’t physical. If it had been, His servants would have fought so that He would have never been taken into custody by the Jews. So many today are looking for a physical kingdom. Do they not believe Jesus?
Colossians 1:13
September 28, 2022
John 18:37 – Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
Thought: If Jesus’ kingdom was not of this world, Pilate wondered whether Jesus was really a king. Jesus affirmed that He was. “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world.” It is amazing that Jesus affirms that the reason He came into the world was to become a king, but some proclaim that He did not become a king at His first coming. Why? We are told it was because the Jews rejected Him. Honestly? Can weak, sinful human beings thwart the divine plan of God?
Isaiah 9:6-7
September 29, 2022
John 18:38 – Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.
Thought: Jesus had told Pilate that everyone who is of the truth will hear His voice. Pilate responded with the question: “What is truth?” He acts as if he does not believe truth really exists. There are many today who seem to believe this. Or, they believe that truth is whatever a person wants truth to be. Thus, each person has his own truth, even if those truths contradict one another. This is known as relativism. It is a ridiculous concept. Truth exists both in the physical world and spiritual realm.
John 8:32
September 30, 2022
John 18:39, 40 – But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.
Thought: When Pilate returned to the Jews after speaking with Jesus, he told them: “I find in him no fault at all.” This case should have been closed. Jesus should have been immediately released. This, however, would not appease the Jews. Thus, Pilate devised another plan. At the Passover, it had become a custom for him to release one prisoner unto the Jews. Pilate believed that since the Jews considered Jesus a criminal he could release Him. Not so. They desired Barabbas, a true criminal.
Mark 15:7
Read devotionals for October 2022