S – When they had completed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. ⁴⁰ The boy grew up and became strong, filled with wisdom, and God’s grace was on him.

Luke 2:39–40 CSB

O – The child dedicated at the temple grew up.  He physically grew in strength and vigor, demonstrated worldly and spiritual wisdom and had a heart of graciousness that revealed a divine influence on his life.

A – This is a great map of how we want our children to grow.  (Physically, applied life learning and spiritual growth.). It also applies to us.  We want to be used by God in reaching others.  Our bodies need to be healthy and strong to do/go where he directs us.  Our minds need to learn and apply that knowledge to live wisely.  Our relationship with God should reveal more of His nature than our own.

R – Heavenly Father, we worship and magnify your holy name.  Please help us to grow in these three areas.  When all three of these are healthy and vibrant, we are ready to be used by you to reach others.  Continue to help us remove the things in our lives that hold us back in these areas.

S – The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news. ²⁰ Now listen. You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.

Luke 1:19–20 CSB

O – Commentary:
Although Judaism had developed quite a list of angelic names, the *New Testament names only the two who also appear in the Old Testament: Gabriel (Dan 8:16; 9:21) and Michael (Dan 10:13, 21; 12:1). These became the two most popular angels in contemporary Jewish lore, in which Gabriel was sent on many divine missions.

The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament

A – Gabriel “stands in the presence of God.”  What will that be like when we are in God’s actual presence?  Dwelling on that idea brings an attitude of gratitude, humility, joy and even curiosity.  It will be an amazing moment to see the relationship we have on earth transitioned into where we stand before Him.  I want my heart to be ready now for that moment.

R – Heavenly Father, you are God.  Thank you for loving us so much that Jesus came to earth.  One day, we will stand before you.  Thank you for forgiving me of our sins that would keep us from you.  We want to know you more now.  We look forward to the day that we will be in your presence.

S – Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 

Matthew 28:19–20 CSB

O – Commentary:

“Make disciples,” suggesting that making disciples involves three elements:

(1) Going, presumably to “the nations” who are being discipled. Many Jews outside Palestine sought converts among the “nations” (which can also be translated as “Gentiles” or “pagans”). But only a few converts ever studied under rabbis, so the idea of making Gentiles full disciples—followers of Jesus who would learn from and serve him—goes beyond this Jewish tradition. Isaiah predicted that Israel would be a witness to (or against) the nations in the end time (e.g., 42:6; 43:10; 44:8).

(2) Baptizing them. Because *baptism was an act of conversion (used for Gentiles converting to Judaism), it means initiating people to the faith. Jewish people recognized God as “Father” and his *Spirit as divine (sometimes as an aspect of God), but would find shocking “the Son” named between them.

(3) Teaching them Jesus’ commandments recorded in Matthew. Rabbis made disciples by teaching them.

Jewish literature called only God omnipresent; Jesus’ claim that he would always be with them (cf. also 1:23; 18:20), coupled with his being named alongside the Father in baptism (Jewish people did not baptize in the names of people), constitutes a proclamation of his deity.

The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament

A – Our commission is clear – we are to help others actively, follow and grow in their relationship with Christ.  Our thoughts, words and actions becoming more like Christ in our own lives allows others to see a vibrant, healthy relationship that they can enjoy.  As we grow, others grow with us.

R – Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to you.  Please continue to work in our own relationship with you so others may reap the benefits.  Give us courage to share our faith in tangible actions and a genuine heart.

S – Now Jesus stood before the governor. “Are you the king of the Jews?” the governor asked him. 

Jesus answered, “You say so.” ¹² While he was being accused by the chief priests and elders, he didn’t answer. 

Matthew 27:11–12 CSB

O – Commentary:

The charge presented to Pilate is clearly that Jesus claims to be a king, i.e., that he is a revolutionary acting for the overthrow of Rome. The charge “King of the Jews” interprets Jesus’ messianic role for Pilate as treason against the emperor’s majesty; calling oneself “king” was a capital offense. Under Tiberius (the current emperor), even suspicion of minor forms of treason led to execution, and Tiberius’ agents dare not fail to prosecute such offenses.

27:12. A defendant who offered no defense was normally convicted by default.

The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament

A – The Jewish leaders wanted Jesus dead because of his blasphemous statement but used the King of the Jews title as a political statement.  Jesus answered the political side but didn’t address the spiritual statement.  He let his truth stand on its own.  His ability to discern between the physical and the spiritual in this chaotic, difficult moment is amazing.  We should pray for such discernment each day.  Jesus stayed true to his purpose.  He knew he had to go to the cross.

R – Heavenly Father, we honor you above all.  Thank you for Jesus’ obedience in going to the cross so we could have a relationship with you.  His resolve is amazing in light of the pain and isolation he felt.  We want to discern the spiritual and physical realm so we can be resolved in our desires to obey you.

S – By pouring this perfume on my body, she has prepared me for burial. ¹³ Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her

Matthew 26:12–13 CSB

O – Commentary:

In Jewish tradition, kings (including, by definition, the *Messiah, or “anointed one”), priests and others had to be anointed for service. But Jesus here stresses a different kind of anointing undoubtedly unintended by the woman: anointing a body for burial (see Mk 16:1); he will soon wear a different crown. Similar flasks found in tombs show that such ointments were often used for the dead.

  The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament

A – Jesus’ annointing for burial was another step toward the cross. Verse 13 reminds us that there are no “little actions” in the Bible or in the life of a believer.  It brought Jesus’ death a step closer.  It was another teaching moment for Jeusus.  It was the last action before Judas went off to betray Jesus.   Jesus proclaimed this moment would live in “infamy.”  How many of the actions in our lives will have the same effect?

R – Heavenly Father, you are worthy of all praise and honor.  Each moment in our lives makes an impact.  Help our thoughts, words and actions reflect a love for you and others.  Let it draw people into a deeper intimacy with you.

S – “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and take you in, or without clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick, or in prison, and visit you?’ 

⁴⁰ “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me

Matthew 25:37–40 CSB

O – The commentaries view “brothers and sisters” as diverse groups.  It could be the “Jewish”nation, the poor or people who teach God’s word.  The concept of showing compassion and value to all people is more on point with me.  Each person had a vulnerable need and it was met by another.  We show God’s love when we do this.

A – We can express God’s love in tangible ways as an outer expression of an inner work done in our hearts.  As we allow God’s love to work in us, it becomes a easier and natural for us to slow down and serve another person in need.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the one, true God.  Please work in our hearts to move from being centered on ourselves to seeing the needs around us.  We want your love that changed us to others where they are at in their own needs.

S – This is why you are also to be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect

Matthew 24:44 CSB

O – Commentary:

The limits of the Tribulation period are known to God, for the Seventieth Week of Daniel will have a definite starting time and a definite ending time. But the people living then will only know in generalities the limits of the time. Therefore watchfulness is important. If a person knows the approximate time a thief may come to break into his house, he takes precautions and prepares accordingly. Likewise believers in the Tribulation, who will be looking forward to the coming of the Lord of glory, should be alert. They will know generally, from the signs of the end, when He will return, but they will not know the exact time

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

A – Jesus is coming again.  There is so much information and speculation on when, where, and how.  If we are ready for his return, than all of that isn’t the primary focus.  We should live our lives as if it were today.  Our hearts and lives would be in relationship with our Heavenly Father.

R – Heavenly Father, you hold the timeline of all things in your hands.  Help us to live our lives today that bring us into the strongest relationship with you.  Whether you return or not, we want to honor and please you in our hearts and actions today.

S – The scribes and the Pharisees are seated in the chair of Moses. ³ Therefore do whatever they tell you, and observe it. But don’t do what they do, because they don’t practice what they teach.

Matthew 23:2–3 CSB

O – Commentary:

The hypocrisy and unbelief of the nation’s religious leaders, evidenced in chapter 22, prompted a strong message from Jesus. He turned to the crowds and to His disciples, who were in the temple listening to His debates with the various religious leaders. He warned them about their teachings saying that their authority was to be recognized (they sit in Moses’ seat, i.e., they teach the Law), but their practices, being hypocritical, should not be followed.

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

A – Jesus recognized the authority that came with sitting in the chair of Moses and the word of God taught.  He also recognized the fallibility of the leader.  Jesus honored God’s word but not the heart of a hypocritical leader.  God is always looking at our hearts.  We must keep it aligned with him and genuine.  There is no room for hypocrisy as a leader.

R – Heavenly Father, you are creator of all.  Please search our hearts for anything that would not align with yours.  Reveal to us any sin, fear, pride or hypocrisy that would cause our hearts to be disgenuine in sharing your love with others.

S – Whose image and inscription is this?” he asked them. ²¹ “Caesar’s,” they said to him. 

Then he said to them, “Give, then, to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” ²² When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away. 

Matthew 22:20–22 CSB

O – Commentary:

He therefore answered their question by demonstrating that government does have a rightful place in everyone’s life and that one can be in subjection to government and God at the same time. He asked them to give Him a coin used to pay the tax. A Roman denarius, with its image of Caesar, the Roman emperor, made it obvious they were under Roman authority and taxation. (One coin inscription reads, “Tiberius Caesar Augustus, son of the Divine Augustus.”) Therefore the taxes must be paid: Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s.

But Jesus also reminded them that a sphere of authority belongs to God: Give to God what is God’s. Individuals are to be subject also to His authority. Man has both political and spiritual responsibilities. Amazed at Jesus’ answer, both the Pharisees and the Herodians were silenced.

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

A – Jesus gives the perfect answer to an impossible question, while discerning the motives of the hearts of the leaders.  We can do the same.  By inviting the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom and discernment, we can navigate the challenges we face.  

R – Heavenly Father, you are God of all.  We invite your Holy Spirit to equip us with the Spirit of Wisdom and Discernment today.  We want to see each challenge through your eyes and act in a way that glorifies you.  We need your presence to help us in all we do and say.

S – The blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. ¹⁵ When the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonders that he did and the children shouting in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant ¹⁶ and said to him, “Do you hear what these children are saying?” 

Jesus replied, “Yes, have you never read: 

You have prepared praise 

from the mouths of infants and nursing babies?” 

Matthew 21:14–16 CSB

O – Couple of items noticed in this scripture:
1. Previous, Jesus arrived triumphantly then drove out the money changers.  Lots of action and emotion.

2. The temple would be animated by Jesus’ presence and actions.

3. The blind and lame were allowed into the temple – this wasn’t allowed.  Jesus healed them – all visible healings for all to see.

4.  Children emulated what they saw adults doing – shouting “Hosanna.”

5.  Jesus shares God’s word to the question of their actions and in the Messiah implications.

A – Jesus demonstrates who He is in various forms. He is Lord, just, healer, Lord, and the Word all in a short time.  We need to know that he is able to be all things we need in our own lives.  In knowing Him better, we see the power and blessings that come in a relationship with Him.

R – Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to you. Thank you for your love for us.  There are so many benefits that we enjoy in our relationship with you.