Authority

Good Morning!

Matthew 7:28-29 (New International Version)

28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

Well, it has taken us nine days to walk through the Sermon on the Mount. If we were face to face, what teaching of Jesus would you tell me was most important to you? How do these teaching touch your life?

I like the way Matthew wraps up this section of his Gospel – with the crowds who were listening being amazed at the teachings of Jesus. Why? They were amazed because Jesus taught with authority. In our 21st century world we cannot appreciate what it was like to hear Jesus for the first time. He wasn’t a rock star. He didn’t have a press secretary or an advance team. He was a wanderer who didn’t have a place to stay. He didn’t have the garments of success … no priestly robes adorned His body. Still, people listened – because He spoke with authority.

Jesus could speak with authority because He was the Author. He knew the heart of God because He was God made flesh. He knew the spirit of the Law because He spoke the Law into being. His word was not subject to debate – no argument could be raised against it.

Here’s the neat thing for us, though: we too can speak with authority … because we know the Author. We can know the heart of God for God dwells within us. We can grasp the spirit of the Law because His Spirit is in our heart. We need not debate for His Word is truth without any mixture of error. We are His … enough said.

Have a good Memorial Day weekend! If you get a chance, hug a soldier (active or retired) or a police officer or fireman – even if you are a guy. Tell them “thank you” for protecting our freedom and our lives. Remember those who have fallen in battle for our freedoms. And be safe!

Agape’


Mr. Jim