Matthew 7:28-29 28And when Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29for he was teaching them as one having authority and not as their scribes.
What amazed people about Jesus’ words? After reading and studying the Sermon on the Mount, two significant insights come to my mind. First is simply the style in which Jesus spoke this sermon. He gives key principles and then illustrates these in simple ways that the disciples and crowds could understand. Second, his words had power because they were God’s truths. They got to the deepest human needs, and if obeyed, give clear purpose and direction for how people should live.
Matthew says it simply that Jesus’ words had authority. The crowds who had gathered along with the disciples had never heard anything like this. Their teachers, the scribes, gave empty words that lacked power because they were based on their own interpretations. Jesus was more than a gifted preacher, although he was the best teacher of all time. His words had the power of the Almighty God. The teachers of the scribes may have sounded impressive but lacks the power to change people’s hearts. The word authority (exousian) means the capability and power to do something. Jesus’ teaching has power, but this power will only change those who listen and obey. Those who reject his teaching will suffer ruin in this life and condemnation at judgment time. Jesus brings wonderful words of life.
For older posts, click here.