When
Jesus had finished saying these things, the multitudes were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them with authority, and not like the scribes.
Matthew 7:28-29
Matthew 7 [24.] “Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock. The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of mine, and doesn’t do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand. The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”
Matthew 7 [28.] When Jesus had finished saying these things, the multitudes were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them with authority, and not like the scribes.
Matthew 8 [1.] When he came down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. Behold, a leper came to him and worshiped him, saying, “Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean.”
Matthew 8 [3.] Jesus stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, “I want to. Be made clean.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
Meaning:
These two verses serve as the conclusion to the Sermon on the Mount, one of Jesus' most profound and impactful teachings found in Matthew chapters 5 through 7. The Sermon on the Mount is a cornerstone of Christian ethics, addressing a range of topics from the Beatitudes and the Lord's Prayer to instructions on love, forgiveness, and how to live a life pleasing to God. When we reach Matthew 7:28-29, we see the reaction of the people who heard Jesus’ words, and this reaction tells us a great deal about who Jesus is and the nature of His teaching.
- The Astonishment of the Multitudes
"The multitudes were astonished at his teaching":
The response of the crowd was one of astonishment, or amazement. The Greek word used here, "ἐξεπλήσσοντο" (exeplēssonto), conveys a sense of being struck with awe or being overwhelmed. This reaction was not simply because of the content of Jesus’ message, though that was certainly profound, but because of the way He delivered it. The people recognized something different, something powerful, in the way Jesus spoke.
- Why Were They Astonished?
The people of Jesus' time were accustomed to hearing teachings from the scribes, the religious scholars who were the authorities on the Jewish Law. The scribes would often teach by quoting other rabbis or relying heavily on established interpretations and traditions. Their authority was derived from their knowledge of the Law and their ability to interpret it according to the teachings passed down through generations. In contrast, Jesus spoke with a directness and confidence that did not rely on the authority of others. He didn’t just interpret the Law; He fulfilled it (Matthew 5:17). His teaching was new, not in content, as it was deeply rooted in the Old Testament, but in its clarity, depth, and the authority with which it was delivered.
- Teaching with Authority
"For he taught them with authority, and not like the scribes":
The authority of Jesus' teaching was unlike anything the people had experienced before. The scribes taught with derived authority, always referencing the interpretations of previous teachers. Jesus, however, taught with inherent authority. He spoke as one who was not just a teacher of the Law, but the Lawgiver Himself. This was a radical departure from what the people were used to. Jesus didn’t just explain what the Law meant—He declared what it was meant to be. For example, in the statements "You have heard that it was said... but I say to you..." (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28, etc.), Jesus contrasts the traditional interpretations with His own authoritative teaching.
- The Nature of Jesus’ Authority:
The authority of Jesus is rooted in His identity as the Son of God. Unlike the scribes, who were limited to interpreting the words of God given through Moses and the prophets, Jesus speaks as God incarnate. This divine authority is evident throughout the Sermon on the Mount and is a key theme in the Gospels. In John 7:46, even the temple guards, sent to arrest Jesus, remarked, "No man ever spoke like this man!" This authority was not only recognized in His teaching but also in His ability to perform miracles, forgive sins (Mark 2:10), and ultimately in His resurrection, which confirmed His divine nature and mission.
- A New Kind of Teaching:
The people’s astonishment also highlights the contrast between the lifeless religiosity that had developed under the Pharisees and scribes and the life-giving truth that Jesus brought. The scribes focused on the letter of the Law, often missing its spirit. Jesus, on the other hand, brought the Law to life, showing its true purpose and fulfillment in Him. His teaching wasn’t about adding burdens but about revealing the way to true righteousness, peace, and a relationship with God. This is why Jesus could say, "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).
Implications for Us Today
- Responding to Jesus’ Authority:
The crowd's reaction to Jesus’ teaching challenges us to consider our own response. Do we recognize the authority of Jesus in our lives? Are we astonished by His words, not just in an intellectual sense, but in a way that transforms our hearts and actions? The Sermon on the Mount calls us to a radical way of living, one that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God. It’s a call to be peacemakers, to love our enemies, to seek first the Kingdom, and to build our lives on the solid foundation of Jesus’ words (Matthew 7:24-25).
- Living Under His Authority:
To truly live under the authority of Jesus means more than just admiration or acknowledgment. It means submission to His will and obedience to His commands. Jesus’ teaching demands a response. As He says earlier in the sermon, "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 7:21). Our lives should be a reflection of the teachings of Christ, marked by love, humility, and a commitment to justice and mercy.
- The Ongoing Power of Jesus’ Words:
Even today, the teachings of Jesus continue to astonish and challenge us. They stand in stark contrast to the values of the world, calling us to a higher standard of living and a deeper relationship with God. The authority of Jesus’ words is not diminished over time; they are as powerful and relevant today as they were when first spoken. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us, "For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword." As we study and meditate on Jesus’ teachings, we are invited to let His words penetrate our hearts and transform our lives.
Conclusion: Matthew 7:28-29 encapsulates the profound impact Jesus' teaching had on those who heard it firsthand. His words, delivered with divine authority, left the crowds astonished and set the stage for the transformative power of His ministry. For us today, these verses are a reminder of the unique authority of Christ and the life-changing nature of His teaching. As we reflect on His words, may we not only be amazed but also moved to live out the principles of His Kingdom in our daily lives, submitting to His authority and allowing His truth to guide and shape us.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible