Devotionals for March 29, 2023
We have three Easter services this year on April 9th at 8:30am, 10:00am, and 11:30am. Make plans to join us!
READ
John 6:61 Jesus was aware that his disciples were complaining, so he said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what will you think if you see the Son of Man ascend to heaven again? 63 The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But some of you do not believe me.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning which ones didn’t believe, and he knew who would betray him.) 65 Then he said, “That is why I said that people can’t come to me unless the Father gives them to me.” 66 At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. 67 Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?” 68 Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. 69 We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.”
REFLECT
Looking at a continuation of the scripture from yesterday, the disciples who were questioning Jesus’ statements were complaining about how hard it was to understand Him. They were believing that Jesus was going to deliver them from Roman oppression and set up a new kingdom in Israel. They weren’t going to get what they wanted. Verse 62 calls out their selfish will for Jesus and verse 63 gives them the truth. These disciples were not the ones Christ called to Himself (the 12 Apostles). Their hope was in a worldly view of God’s redemption in sharp contrast to the Apostle’s holy view of God’s redemption in verse 69.
Obeying God as a disciple will bring that same contrast into our lives. In addition to all the times of joy, peace, and understanding, there will be moments of anxiousness, unrest, and confusion. But they are only moments. Hard to deal with at the moment? Yes. But steadfast obedience to God will bring us through. Knowing that Christ is always at our side will give us strength. Perseverance will give greater returns of spiritual maturity, wisdom, and knowledge. And best of all, a deeper relationship with our Lord and Creator.
Obedience when the rest of the world looks for the selfish answer is the harder path to travel.
APPLY
Q: Why did many of the disciples abandon Jesus? Were they true believers?
Q: What did the 12 do that is significant to obedience?
Q: What are some ways that Christ has seen you through obeying Him when it was tough? Would sharing those with others help them, too?
SING
“The Communion Song” - Jonathan Stockwell & Bethany Worship
PRAY
Give us today our daily bread.
Jesus, I am so grateful that you have promised never to abandon me and always be by my side. Help me to grow stronger in my faith through the nourishment of your Word and discipleship with fellow believers.
READ
John 6:61 Jesus was aware that his disciples were complaining, so he said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what will you think if you see the Son of Man ascend to heaven again? 63 The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But some of you do not believe me.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning which ones didn’t believe, and he knew who would betray him.) 65 Then he said, “That is why I said that people can’t come to me unless the Father gives them to me.” 66 At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. 67 Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?” 68 Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. 69 We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.”
REFLECT
Looking at a continuation of the scripture from yesterday, the disciples who were questioning Jesus’ statements were complaining about how hard it was to understand Him. They were believing that Jesus was going to deliver them from Roman oppression and set up a new kingdom in Israel. They weren’t going to get what they wanted. Verse 62 calls out their selfish will for Jesus and verse 63 gives them the truth. These disciples were not the ones Christ called to Himself (the 12 Apostles). Their hope was in a worldly view of God’s redemption in sharp contrast to the Apostle’s holy view of God’s redemption in verse 69.
Obeying God as a disciple will bring that same contrast into our lives. In addition to all the times of joy, peace, and understanding, there will be moments of anxiousness, unrest, and confusion. But they are only moments. Hard to deal with at the moment? Yes. But steadfast obedience to God will bring us through. Knowing that Christ is always at our side will give us strength. Perseverance will give greater returns of spiritual maturity, wisdom, and knowledge. And best of all, a deeper relationship with our Lord and Creator.
Obedience when the rest of the world looks for the selfish answer is the harder path to travel.
APPLY
Q: Why did many of the disciples abandon Jesus? Were they true believers?
Q: What did the 12 do that is significant to obedience?
Q: What are some ways that Christ has seen you through obeying Him when it was tough? Would sharing those with others help them, too?
SING
“The Communion Song” - Jonathan Stockwell & Bethany Worship
PRAY
Give us today our daily bread.
Jesus, I am so grateful that you have promised never to abandon me and always be by my side. Help me to grow stronger in my faith through the nourishment of your Word and discipleship with fellow believers.