*Slightly edited sermon preached on Sunday
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. – Matthew 7:28-29
Jesus Spoke with Authority
When Jesus finished the Sermon on the Mount, the people were amazed because they heard something unfamiliar to their ears – a preacher who spoke with authority.
The gospel accounts record reactions to Jesus’ preaching. In Mark 11:18, the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching. When Jesus taught in Capernaum in Luke 4:32, they were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority. In John 7:46, the guards said, “No one ever spoke the way this man does.” In Mark 6:2, when Jesus taught in his hometown, the people were amazed and asked, “Where did this man get these things? What’s this wisdom that has been given him?”
When Jesus spoke, God spoke. Jesus could reference an Old Testament passage in the Sermon on the Mount and say, “You’ve heard it said … but I say to you.”
When Jesus spoke, God spoke. Jesus could pick up the scroll of Isaiah in Luke 4 and read,
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
He could then roll up the scroll, give it back to the attendant, sit down and say, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
But of course, these reactions of amazement weren’t the only reactions.
In Mark 2, Jesus healed a man’s legs and then forgave his sin. The reaction in Mark 2:6-7, “Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?””
In John 8, Jesus made a statement shedding light on his identity as the eternal Son of God. The reaction in John 8:58, “At this, they picked up stones to stone him.”
Jesus spoke with authority. What is your reaction?
Jesus Still Speaks with Authority
Jesus still speaks with authority, but we have problem. It’s not a problem with Jesus. It’s a problem with us. In the age of social media, we’ve made everyone an authority.
You trust Web MD more than your family doctor.
You trust Political Polly’s shared Reel or Meme more than actual facts or research.
You trust Neighbor Ned’s hot take even though he bears zero spiritual fruit.
You trust the Instagram preacher more than your local pastor who baptized your children and buried your parents.
Now, I’m not saying that one must hold a powerful position or title to speak truth. But I am saying that one must speak truth to have legitimate authority.
Truth is not measured by popularity or number of clicks. Truth is not measured by what makes us feel good or validates our well-established opinions. As Christians, truth is measured by Scripture. Scratch that. Truth is measured by scripture for the Christian and non-Christian.
The church today stands upon:
The promises and prophecy of the Old Testament fulfilled in the New Testament
The life and ministry of Jesus backed by word and demonstration
The eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ ministry and resurrection
The historicity of the gospels and entire the New Testament
The long history and witness of the church which was born on the day of Pentecost through the imparting of the Holy Spirit.
Our current age has flatlined authority. Yet, above all authority is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Whether you realize it or not, you sit under the authority of the Kings of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Conclusion
In Matthew 16 Jesus asked, “Who do people say that I am?” The disciples provided a survey of answers: John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the other prophets. Jesus narrowed the focus, “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.”
What confession do you make regarding Jesus? What’s your reaction to Jesus’ teaching? Amazed? I pray so. I pray your amazement leads your life to reflect the identity, significance, and authority of Jesus.
Jeff Gravens 