S – For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

Luke 12:34 CSB

O – Bible Dictionary:

“Treasure” – thēsaurŏs:  a deposit, i.e. wealth (lit. or fig.):— treasure.

“Heart” – kardia:  the heart, i.e. (fig.) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by anal.) the middle:— (+ broken-) heart (-ed

James Strong, The New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1996).

A – Money is often the main association when it comes to treasure.  (Financial wealth was the focus of the verses before this).  Treasure goes beyond wealth.  It is anything you center your life around and pursue.  Anything can be our treasure – family, business, relationships, health – can also be prominent in our lives.  And, they are all good things as is finances.  The tough question is “Are they more important than a relationship with God?”  God must be first and everything else falls beneath Him.

R – Heavenly Father, you are Jehovar Jireh, our provider.  Help us to trust you to provide for all of the things in our lives that we need.  You promise to do this.  We do not have to be anxious about when or where  your provision will come.  Your love us and will give us what we need today.

S – So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. ¹⁰ For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened

Luke 11:9–10 CSB

O – Commentary:

Jesus encouraged the people of God to ask. He noted that natural fathers give good food to their children rather than something that would harm them…How much more will the heavenly Father give what is good to His children.

Jesus stated that this good gift is the Holy Spirit, the most important gift that followers of Jesus would receive (cf. Acts 2:1–4). The heavenly Father gives both heavenly gifts and earthly gifts. Believers today are not to pray for the Holy Spirit because this prayer of the disciples (for the Holy Spirit) was answered at Pentecost (cf. Rom. 8:9)

“Luke,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – When we approach God in relationship, it makes asking much easier.  We are not approaching a figure head or an distant “power.”  We are going to our Heavenly Father in relationship and making requests known to him.  Just as a good parent knows what is best for their child, God interacts with us in love.  Even though there is tension in the requests, timing, expectations, and fulfillment of those requests, God’s unchanging love is the foundation.

R – Heavenly Father, you are unlimited and all powerful.  Give us the understanding how to ask of you.  Keep us from entitlement of what we think we deserve.  Also, don’t let us lack in our faith and trust that you can do it.  Let us confidently come to you in faith and ask…knowing that we can trust your timing and fulfillment to be in our best interest.

S – But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.”^, 

⁴¹ The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴² but one thing is necessary.^, Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.” 

Luke 10:40–42 CSB

O – Commentary:

Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing: Hospitality was valued highly, and Martha was fulfilling the expected role of a woman. She was frustrated that Mary was not.

10:42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it: Jesus’ words were shocking. Women were expected to serve domestically and were forbidden to learn as disciples from a rabbi. Jesus validated Mary’s desire to be Jesus’ disciple.

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A – There are good and bad things that distract us from God’s word and purpose.  As we spend time with God, we recognize the distractions or things that pull us away from his presence.  Like Mary, we desire him more than what is “normal.”  God validates us in our pursuit of him.

R – Heavenly Father, you are holy and worthy of all our honor.  As we pursue you, empower us to recognize and avoid distractions or anything that would keep us from your presence.  We want more of you and less of whatever tries to fill that spot.  

S – While everyone was amazed at all the things he was doing, he told his disciples, ⁴⁴ “Let these words sink in: The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.” 

⁴⁵ But they did not understand this statement; it was concealed from them so that they could not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it. 

Luke 9:43–45 CSB

O – Commentary:

The glory on the mountain and Jesus’ power over *demons would confirm the disciples’ messianic suspicions (9:20), so Jesus needs to reemphasize his definition of the messianic mission in contrast to theirs (see 9:22). Most Jews did not expect the *Messiah’s death.

The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament

A – Jesus stayed on “mission” throughout his ministry.  With so many things to deter him from the cross, he never wavered.  God has a purpose and plan for each of us.  What would it look like for us if we were resolute and “on mission” with God ‘s plan for our lives?  How can we eliminate the distractions or sidesteps that challenge our ability to do what God calls us to do?

R – Heavenly Father, you are holy and just.  Please help us to know and stay on the path you have for us today.  We desire your will over our own.  As you reveal your purpose to us, empower us to avoid distractions and things that would keep us from accomplishing it.

S – Someone did touch me,” said Jesus. “I know that power has gone out from me.” ⁴⁷ When the woman saw that she was discovered, she came trembling and fell down before him. In the presence of all the people, she declared the reason she had touched him and how she was instantly healed. ⁴⁸ “Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” 

Luke 8:46–48 CSB

O – Commentary:

Who touched Me? does not imply that He was ignorant of the situation. He wanted the woman to reveal herself and openly express the faith which caused her to touch Him. The woman’s faith became public when she fell at His feet. (This reminds one of another woman who expressed her faith at the feet of Jesus [Luke 7:36–50].) The woman’s faith had healed her (8:48)—faith that Jesus could make her ceremonially clean and therefore faith that He really is the Messiah. Jesus told her, Go in peace, just as He had recently said to a sinful woman (7:50).

“Luke,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – God wants us to be open with out faith.  God wants us to express it in a way that reveals ourselves – our fears, challenge and uncertainty.  When we realize all of those and still step towards God in faith, it allows for God to do amazing things.  Even if he doesn’t, we are closer to him than before.

R – Heavenly Father, we exalt your name above all others.  Please help our faith to grow.  Even in our challenges and fears, we can overcome them with a genuine faith in who you are and your unchanging character.  When we do that, you meet us in our place with your love.

S – That is why I didn’t even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.^{, 8} For I too am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under my command. I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 

 Luke 7:7–8 CSB

O – Commentary:
I am not worthy of such an honor: The man was probably showing sensitivity to Jewish concerns; pious Jews would not enter the home of a Gentile, since it would make them ceremonially unclean (see Acts 10:28; 11:12). The centurion might also have been acknowledging Jesus’ superior status.

7:8 the authority of my superior officers: The Roman army was renowned for its organization and discipline. The centurion recognized authority when he saw it in Jesus’ words and actions

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A – There is a saying, “Leadership recognizes leadership.”  In this case, the centurion recognizes the authority that Jesus operates in is similar to the authority he demonstrates with his soldiers.  The centurion calls out what no one else has articulated – Jesus is in relationship with the Heavenly Father and does what he says.  Our desire today is to have the same relationship with God.  We want to be so in tuned that we do what He says and we operate in the authority that God gives us.

R – Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to you.  Please help us to stay in tuned with you through the Holy Spirit that we are “under your authority.”  And, help us to operate with the authority you give us to show your love in practical ways.

S – Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. ³⁸ Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over—will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you

Luke 6:37–38 CSB

O – Commentary:

Judge,” “condemn” and “pardon” are all the language of the day of judgment, prefigured in God’s current reckonings with his people (e.g., on the Day of Atonement).

6:38. The image here is of a measuring container into which as much grain as possible is packed; it is then shaken to allow the grain to settle, and more is poured in till the container overflows. Pouring it “into the lap” refers to the fold in the garment used as a pocket or pouch. Because Jewish people sometimes used “they” as a way of avoiding God’s name, some suggest that “they will pour” (nasb) may mean that God will do it; or the idea may be that God will repay a person through others. The Old Testament often speaks of God judging people according to their ways (e.g., Is 65:7). Proverbs and other texts speak of God’s blessings toward the generous

The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament

A – Judgement, condemnation, forgiveness and giving are referenced in these passages.  All are described in how you sow, you will reap.  It is a fundamental principle in life that does not change.  Interestingly, giving is the one where when you do it, your return goes above the amount sown. 

R – Heavenly Father, you are holy and just.  Empower us in our lives to sow good things in our thoughts, words and actions.  We want to bring life and hope to those we interact with today.  We choose to be generous and allow for you to bring the blessing.

S – While he was in one of the towns, a man was there who had leprosy all over him. He saw Jesus, fell facedown, and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” 

¹³ Reaching out his hand, Jesus touched him, saying, “I am willing; be made clean,” and immediately the leprosy left him.

Luke 5:12–13 CSB

O –  Commentary:

If You are willing You can make me clean. His only reservation seemed to be Jesus’ willingness. According to the Mosaic Law one who was leprous was not to be touched by anyone who was ceremonially clean. When someone clean touched something unclean, the clean became unclean. Luke, in describing Jesus’ actions, showed that Jesus was the Source of ceremonial cleansing. If He was the Source of cleansing for that leper, He would also be the Source of ceremonial cleansing for the nation. This theme is carried on into the next healing (vv. 17–26) and into the call of Levi (vv. 27–39). At the touch of Jesus, immediately the leprosy left him. 

“Luke,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures,

A – Jesus did a number of things that were unacceptable.  He allowed the leper into his space and he touched him.  The miracle was amazing.  Beyond that, here a couple of things that changed for the leper:

• He was healed.
• He was allowed into a social gathering.
• He was physically touched for the first time.
• His identity changed from “the leper” to the healed 

It is remarkable that Jesus’ act of obedience changed the whole trajectory of this man’s life.  Are we willing to do what is “unacceptable” to do that for someone else?

R – Heavenly Father, you are the God who has no limitations.  Please help us to be led by your Holy Spirt and obey when you tell us to act.  Give us courage when it is uncomfortable.  Help our words and actions help others draw closer to you.

S – And Jesus answered him, “It is said: Do not test the Lord your God.”^, 

¹³ After the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from him for a time

Luke 4:12–13 CSB

O – “Every” – pas:  incl. all the forms of declension;  all, any, every, the whole: as many as thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever

“Temptation”- pĕirasmŏs:  a putting to proof (by experiment [of good], experience [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by impl. adversity:— temptation, × try.

James Strong, The New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1996).

A – Jesus wasn’t just tempted with the three questions.  He was tempted in every way the devil could put before him. Where the enemy meant to circumvent God’s plan of the cross by tempting Jesus to “accomplish” his purpose by “making a deal,” Jesus didn’t give into the temptation.  Nothing the enemy could offer would accomplish God’s plan.

R – Heavenly Father, you are Lord of all.  Give us the strength and courage to face temptation like Jesus did.  Give us a depth in your word to use it to thwart temptation.  Help us to keep our eyes on the purposes and plans you have for us that honor you.

S – John answered them all, “I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I am is coming. I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire

Luke 3:16 CSB

O – Commentary:

I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals: The untying of sandals was done only by slaves (to make this connection clear, the NLT adds be his slave and). John thus greatly honored the Messiah. • baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire (or in the Holy Spirit and in fire): The OT prophets predicted that in the last days, God would pour out his Spirit on his people (Joel 2:28; Ezek 36:28–29; Isa 32:15). This prophecy was at least partially fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). Fire is an image of judgment (see 3:9); it also has the power to cleanse and refine God’s people

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A – Jesus and John both lived lives filled with the Holy Spirit.  Jesus’ departure to heaven after his death allowed for the Holy Spirit to be available for all of us.  We need to invite him to be part of each day.  John’s baptism is symbolic of our relationship with Christ.  The indwelling of the Holy Spirit when we accept Christ is evident in tangible expressions and actions.

R – Heavenly Father, you are worthy of honor and praise.  Thank you for the Holy Spirit to lead us in our relationship with you.  We invite him to be a part of our words, thoughts and actions.  Continue to draw us into a deeper intimacy with you.