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.

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.