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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for November 2022
December 1, 2022
John 20:25 – The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
Thought: The ten apostles who saw the Christ that Sunday evening were excited to tell Thomas that they had seen the Lord. Thomas, however, was not quick to believe them. In fact, he told them he would not believe until he saw the physical proof and touched the hands and side of Jesus. One wonders why Thomas did not believe the testimony of his fellow-disciples. They were reliable, credible witnesses. We are called upon to believe what Thomas would not. Will you believe?
Hebrews 11:1
December 2, 2022
John 20:26 – And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas was with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
Thought: The following Sunday evening, Jesus appeared to His disciples again. This time, Thomas was assembled with them. Jesus spoke these words: “Peace be unto you.” One wonders how Thomas felt as he looked upon the presence of his Master. For a full week, he was in absolute unbelief about the resurrection even though his brethren had assured him that they had seen the Christ. It is possible for individuals to fail to believe things that are true. Some will be shocked when the truth is revealed.
Acts 9:4-6
December 3, 2022
John 20:27 – Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach Hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing.
Thought: When Thomas was first told by the other apostles that they had seen the risen Lord, he said he would not believe until he felt the print of the nails in Jesus’ hands and thrust his hand into the Lord’ side. Jesus was not present when Thomas spoke those words, but when He appeared to Thomas, he immediately gave him the proof he desired. We learn two important lessons. First, our Lord knows all things about us. Second, Jesus wants men to believe in Him. Thus, He provides ample proof.
Romans 1:19-20
December 4, 2022
John 20:28 – And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
Thought: One week before this appearance, Thomas told the other disciples that he demanded physical proof that Jesus was alive. Jesus was not present when that was said, but when Jesus appeared to Thomas, He immediately presented him with the evidence desired. Several thoughts come to mind. First, Jesus knows all things. Second, Jesus did not chide Thomas because he wanted evidence. Third, evidence was provided. Fourth, Thomas believed the evidence and confessed the Christ.
Acts 8:36-37
December 5, 2022
John 20:29 – Jesus saith unto him, Thomas because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
Thought: Some have taught that faith is lost in sight. This is not true at all. Thomas saw and believed. There is another means that produces faith, however. This involves the testimony of reliable witnesses. Jesus pronounces a blessing on those who manifest faith in this manner. “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” This is the type of faith Christians have possessed ever since Jesus ascended to the right hand of God. My friend, this faith will not be lost in heavenly sight. It will only be confirmed.
I Peter 1:8
December 6, 2022
John 20:30 – And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book.
Thought: During Jesus’ 3 to 3-1/2 year ministry, He performed many miracles. John acknowledges these “many other signs.” John’s gospel had a purpose. It was not to recount all of Jesus’ miracles. John selected certain miracles and elaborated on those. He knew that good and honest hearts did not need large amounts of evidence to believe the truth. A few select miracles of the Christ should be sufficient to impress the tender heart. However, a book detailing all of Jesus’ miracles would have been a blessing.
Matthew 9:35
December 7, 2022
John 20:31 – But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Thought: John wrote his gospel with a single purpose in mind. He wanted all those who read his book to finish with a belief “that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.” Dear reader, Jesus is either the Son of God or He is not. The matter is not something to be dismissed as being trivial in nature. John assures us that believing in the Christ involves having “life through his name.” All need to honestly examine the evidence that God has left us. Please do not overlook Jesus’ miracles. They prove He is God’s holy Son.
John 10:37-38
December 8, 2022
John 21:1 – After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.
Thought: Jesus shewed Himself numerous times in various ways to a multitude of people after His resurrection. He wanted there to be no doubt that He had conquered death. On this occasion, He met His disciples “at the sea of Tiberias.” This is another name for the Sea of Galilee. This was a fresh-water lake. Many of the disciples were familiar with this sea. They fished in this sea prior to being the Lord’s disciples. Numerous events from the life of Christ occurred there. Another was about to make history.
Luke 5:1
December 9, 2022
John 21:2, 3 – There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.
Thought: After the crucifixion, the disciples appeared to have struggled for a period of time. At first, they were fearful of the Jews. They had slain their Master. They assumed the Jews might try to punish them as well. As time went on, they struggled to find their purpose. Some of them had been fishermen in the past. Thus, on this occasion, Peter rises before his fellow disciples, and tells them: “I go a fishing.” This excited these men. They said: “We also go with thee.” A surprise awaited them on this excursion.
Matthew 4:18
December 10, 2022
John 21:4 – But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore; but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.
Thought: Jesus knew where to find His disciples. While they were just off the shore, He made another appearance unto them. At first, they did not know it was the Christ. Were they too far off? Was there fog that hindered their view. Or, were they just not expecting Jesus to show up on this morning? This scene brings us full circle in Jesus’ relationship with His disciples. At the opening of His ministry, He met them by the Sea of Galilee. Now, at the close of His ministry, He sees them again at the Sea of Galilee.
Matthew 4:21-22
December 11, 2022
John 21:5 – Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.
Thought: When strangers see people fishing, it is common for them to inquire about their catch. Sometimes, the fishermen show them the abundant catch they took. At other times, the fishermen will admit that they caught nothing. Either way, the person asking draws the attention of the fishermen. This is what Jesus did on this occasion. He calls out to the disciples: “Children, have ye any meat?” Their response was a simple: “No.” Now, however, Jesus has their attention. Would they recognize Him?
John 1:38
December 12, 2022
John 21:6 – And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.
Thought: In verse 4, we are told the disciples did not know this person who was speaking to them was Jesus. When He gave the command to cast their net on the right side of the ship, we might wonder why they followed His directions? Since they had caught no fish at all that night, perhaps they thought that one more cast could not hurt anything. So, they did. They probably did not expect the results. The net was so full of fish they could not draw it. If we will listen to Jesus, our nets will be filled as well.
Psalm 119:17
December 13, 2022
John 21:7 – Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.
Thought: When John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, saw this miracle, he immediately knew the one who stood on the shore was the Lord. When he acknowledged this to Peter, Peter’s impetuous nature took over. The text tells us that “he girt his fisher’s coat unto him…and did cast himself into the sea. It seems that Peter loved to be around his Lord. When his Lord’s presence was made known, nothing else mattered to Peter. He left his co-workers. He left the fish. He left the boat. Only Jesus mattered.
John 20:19-20
December 14, 2022
John 21:8 – And the other disciples came in a little ship, (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with the fishes.
Thought: Peter had impetuously jumped into the sea in order to get to Jesus. He seemed not to care for the great catch of fish they had secured. The others longed to see Jesus also. However, they continued to tend to the net filled with fish. They made their way into a smaller ship and rowed to the shore. The distance they travelled was about the length of a football field. It was fortunate that the other apostles stayed with the net. If all had abandoned the ship, they would have lost the blessing of the fish.
Matthew 14:17-21
December 15, 2022
John 21:9 – As soon as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.
Thought: The apostles had been fishing all night. In the casting of nets, there is much labor and toil. Sometimes, fishermen forget to eat. When these men came to the seashore, the fish being cooked and the bread must have been a welcomed sight. We learn at least two things about Jesus from this verse. First, He knew how to cook. Perhaps he learned these skills from his mother. Too, He was a man of hospitality. Hospitality literally means “the love of strangers.” We definitely need more in our world.
I Peter 4:9
December 16, 2022
John 21:10 – Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.
Thought: Now that these men stood before Jesus, they could have easily forgotten about the large catch of fish. Jesus did not want them to miss this miracle. He wanted them to remember this morning’s catch. Thus, He instructs them, saying: “Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.” They would now focus again on the net of fish. They would toil and strain to bring all of the fish upon the shore. They caught them, dragged them, and dragged them again. This catch was one for the books.
Matthew 7:11
December 17, 2022
John 21:11 – Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, a hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.
Thought: We are informed about three things regarding this catch of fish. First, it contained “great fishes.” The Greek word for “great” is “megas.” Thayer reveals that they were great in measure and weight. Second, we learn that the number of fish caught was one hundred fifty-three. Five, ten, or fifteen fish might be considered a good catch. One hundred fifty-three was a monster catch. Third, the text tells us: “…yet was not the net broken.” The miracle involved both the fish and the net that day.
Luke 5:5-7
December 18, 2022
John 21:12 – Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.
Thought: We are again reminded of Jesus’ hospitality toward His disciples. Fish and bread had been prepared for them. Now, He invites them to eat. How refreshing that meal must have been after a long night of fishing. As they dined, none of the disciples ask Jesus: “Who art thou?” On this occasion, they were convinced that this was Jesus. It is interesting that as you study the resurrection of Jesus, it was a difficult thing for the disciples to grasp. However, once they did, their faith was emboldened.
Acts 10:39-41
December 19, 2022
John 21:13 – Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.
Thought: Here we are given a physical picture of what God does for us every day. Jesus fed His disciples. It was not a fancy meal, but it was a satisfying one. It met the needs of the apostles on this occasion. Every day most of us have plenty to eat. Usually, we have a large selection of foods from which to choose. Sometimes, we forget the source of this sustenance. God is the provider. He provides the sun, the rain, and the nutrients in the ground for the food to grow. Let us be grateful.
James 1:17
December 20, 2022
John 21:14 – This now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.
Thought: Jesus had appeared to His disciples on two Sunday evenings prior to this appearance on the the Sea of Galilee. This would not be His last appearance to them. During His final days on earth, He wanted His disciples to be absolutely certain that He had been raised from the dead. He appeared to them, let them touch Him, taught them, prepared meals for them, and ate with them. These were not visions seen by one or two people. They were real appearances that confirmed the resurrection.
I Corinthians 15:5-8
December 21, 2022
John 21:15 – So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
Thought: Peter had denied the Lord three times on the night of His arrest. Peter, however, manifested a penitent attitude and went out and wept bitterly. On this occasion, Jesus confronts Peter with a question that is asked three times: “Simon…lovest thou me more than these?” What are the “these” about which Jesus speaks? Peter do you love me more than these other disciples? Peter do you love me more than these boats, nets, and fish? It is a heart-probing question we all need to ask ourselves.
I John 2:15-17
December 22, 2022
John 21:16 – He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
Thought: As we read these verses, we hear the word love being said six times. In the Greek language, there are several different words for love. Two different words are found in this discussion. Jesus asked Peter: “Simon…lovest thou me?” The word “love” here means supreme love. It is the love that puts the best interest of another before his own. However, when Peter responded, saying: Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee,” he spoke a different word having only the meaning of brotherly love.
Matthew 22:37-38
December 23, 2022
John 21:17 – He saith unto him a third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee, Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
Thought: Twice Jesus had asked Peter whether he loved Him with the supreme form of love. Twice Peter responded saying that he love Jesus with a brotherly love. Jesus asked one more time. This time, however, Jesus used the Greek word for brotherly love. The third time caused Peter to be grieved. Perhaps he was reminded of his weakness during the betrayal. Peter responds to the third question again with brotherly love. Notice Jesus held Peter accountable but used him to feed his sheep.
Acts 2:14
December 24, 2022
John 21:18 – Verily, verily I say unto thee, When thou wast young thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.
Thought: Jesus now changes the subject of the conversation with Peter. He sets forth a prophecy regarding Peter’s death. “…but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.” Did Peter grasp the significance of these words? Possibly not. If he did, he certainly had a burden to carry throughout the rest of his life. Dear readers, things change in our lives. What is true of today may not be the reality of tomorrow.
Isaiah 38:12
December 25, 2022
John 21:19 – This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
Thought: John reveals the prophetic fulfillment of Jesus’ words. At the close of his life, Peter’s freedoms would be removed from him. He would be bond and imprisoned. Eventually, he would be crucified as a martyr for Christ. Tradition tells us that he requested to be crucified upside down because he was not worthy to die in the same position as the Christ. What if you were told that you would have to give up your life for Jesus. Could you do as Peter was instructed and follow Him?
2 Peter 1:13-14
December 26, 2022
John 21:20 – Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?
Thought: When individuals become part of groups, close relationships often develop between some of the members. Peter and John grew close during the Lord’s ministry. It would be interesting to know of some of the talks they had between themselves. When we look into the book of Acts, we find that these two men remained close and often labored together with each other. They were brothers. They supported and uplifted one another. This might explain Peter’s question that is forthcoming.
Acts 3:1
December 27, 2022
John 21:21 – Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?
Thought: Peter had been told by Jesus how he would die. When Peter saw his friend, John, he was inquisitive about the manner of John’s death. Peter’s struggle is often our own. We like to concern ourselves in the business of others. We are not satisfied with paying attention to our own business. We like to ask a lot of questions. We enjoy getting the scoop on another by talking to as many people was possible. For some, it becomes an addiction. They become busybodies in other men’s matters.
I Peter 4:15
December 28, 2022
John 21:22 – Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
Thought: Jesus rebuked Peter’s nosiness by asking Peter a question. First, He presented a hypothetical situation to Peter. If I allow John to continue to live until I return, “what is that to thee?” Again, this is a hypothetical statement. Jesus did not say this was what was going to actually occur. His intent was to tell Peter that regardless of what happens to John, it was of no concern to Peter. Peter’s sole focus should be on following the Christ. Shouldn’t this be our concern? Self is hard enough to care for.
I Thessalonians 4:11
December 29, 2022
John 21:23 – Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?
Thought: Men have a tendency to manufacture false statements out of statements of truth. Jesus presented Peter with a hypothetical situation. If John were allowed to live until Jesus returned, what concern should that have been of Peter’s? Individuals took Jesus’ words and proclaimed that John was not ever going to die. “…yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die.” They were proclaiming something that Jesus never really said. Unfortunately, many still affirm things Jesus never really said.
Ecclesiastes 3:20
December 30, 2022
John 21:24 – This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.
Thought: The one about whom the rumor circulated stating that he would never die is the one who wrote the gospel of John. He was the disciple that Jesus loved. He was a beloved friend of Peter. It is he who testified of the Christ in this gospel. Notice he also declares that he “wrote these things.” His witness was not just oral testimony. It was made into a hard copy. The information contained in this document was true. There were no lies or falsehoods. John declared exactly what he had witnessed.
Acts 5:29-32
December 31, 2022
John 21:25 – And there are also many other signs which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written down every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.
Thought: In John’s gospel, he sets forth eight signs as proof that Jesus is the Son of God. The heap of miracles from which he chose was vast. John uses hyperbole when he says: “I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.” Hyperbole is an extended exaggeration. John wanted his readers to know that Jesus had performed an abundance of miracles. If all would have been discussed in detail, the log would have been encyclopedic in volume.
Psalm 40:5
Read devotionals for January 2023