And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Matthew 7:28-29
Jesus taught as one having authority. This may be THE key to our hearing and doing the sayings of Jesus. Here is a good question for every follower of Jesus, “Have I been astonished at the authority of Jesus in His teaching?”
Before you answer that question, consider the meaning of astonished (ekplēssō): To strike out, expel by a blow, drive out or away; to cast off by a blow, to drive out; commonly, to strike one out of self-possession, to strike with panic, shock, astonish; to be struck with amazement, astonished, amazed (Outline of Biblical Usage, BlueLetterBible.org).
See what I mean? The sayings of Jesus should have a violent impact on our understanding and response to His authority. They should drive out all sense of self-righteousness and rule. He is the King of heaven and earth; the Commander of all of heaven’s army. He is for us, but let’s not be deceived: He is against all who will not accept His reign.
Like His Father, Jesus is good and severe (Matthew 11:20-24). He is no longer a babe lying in a manger. He is no longer hanging on a cross. This is the double-edged sword of His authority. Consider His sayings with sober mind and soft heart.
- Judge Not
- Judge God’s Way (Part 1)
- Judge God’s Way (Part 2)
- Be Discerning and Selective in Sharing the Truth
- Ask, Seek, and Knock
- Trust God for More
- Take the Initiative for Good
- Enter by the Narrow Gate and Difficult Way
- Beware the False Prophets
- Bear Good Fruit
- Do the Will of My Father in Heaven
- Do Them
In closing, it is important to recognize that this matter of authority was the beginning, core and final proclamation of Jesus’ ministry. He began by preaching the gospel of the kingdom (Mark 1:14-15). His final command, the Great Commission, begins with, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).”
The word “authority” appears thirty-four times in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; the word “kingdom”, 122 times. We should not be surprised, for we call Him “Lord”.
We should simply be astonished… into obedience!
God bless you with the grace and courage to find that astonished and obedient place.
Humbly yours and forever His,
Rob
#iamjustthepen
P.S. The Chapter Five and Chapter Six summaries have also been posted, along with the full list of articles currently included in this series (with their links). Next week, we will search out the sayings and woes of Jesus recorded in Luke’s gospel.