Matthew 7:28,29
“When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.”
How amazing this must have been. Completely different from what the people were used to. It says their scribes didn’t teach with authority. I recall the thought going through my mind when young that being a priest would be an easy life. Your clothes are provided, get to sleep in and throw on clothes at the last minute and run to the church to work. People respect you and so on. I also don’t recall anything impressive coming from the pulpit.
Jesus had authority. Authority is having the right to say something and knowing one’s topic. Jesus met both of these criteria. Being God meets those. He just finished the Sermon on the Mount. The greatest one given in history.
The beatitudes were key. They were revolutionary. So many principles that aren’t intuitive. We wouldn’t naturally come by them. Here’s one, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven”. To be poor in spirit is a choice. It has nothing to do with confidence or security. It’s knowing we are sinful and lost without God. Why does this make one blessed? Because it drives us to God for help. Once we do that we are as good as saved as God will never turn one away one who seeks Him. This state is to never leave us. Even though we are redeemed we know that as soon as we stop relying on Him we’re are doomed.
The concept of being poor in spirit offends many. They defensively say, “I’m a good person”. There is some truth to that. God’s creation is great. People are the crown of His creation. Each one of us is fearfully and wonderfully made. God loves us greatly. All of that is true. That should make us feel good. Yet, we are still sinners in need of saving. If we don’t see that we are condemned. They are disagreeing with God.
There are many other biblical truths that we wouldn’t know on our own. The remaining beatitudes are some. I began talking about Jesus, now I am speaking about His Word. He values His Word that much. Psalm 138:2 says, “I bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name for Your loving devotion and Your faithfulness; You have exalted Your name and Your word above all else.” He exalts His Word, so should we.
His Word is amazing. It’s living and active. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” As we read it His truth comes to life and we learn much. The Holy Spirit uses it to teach us things. It’s also called a guiding light (Psalm 119:105).
That’s why the people were amazed at Jesus. Yes, because He is God, but He was sharing God’s Word in a way it was meant to be heard. It was alive, it was opening up doors, it was showing the way. Thank You, God for Jesus and His Word.