28 “And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29 for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.” (Matthew 7:28–29 (ESV)
Today’s text concludes Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. What makes this sermon any different from any other sermon preached by any other preacher? It was the response by the people to the One who had preached.
The crowds (ὄχλοi; achloi) are the multitude of common people who heard Jesus. They were in attendance. They also were amazed (ἐκπλήσσω; ekplesso), greatly astounded and astonished. At what? They were astonished at Jesus’ teaching.
Why? Matthew records that it was because Jesus “was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.” It is one thing to teach authoritatively. It is something else to possess authority when teaching. This is what Jesus had that the scribes and religious leaders did not.
This is one of signs of a cult. Leaders of false religions, or cults, elevate themselves as having authority rather than direct people to the One, True God of the Bible. They seek to control rather than acknowledge God’s sovereignty. They seek to be worshiped rather than lead people in worship towards the only One worthy of worship. They seek to impose their rules and regulations upon people rather than seek to be obedient to God’s Word.
“Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount lays out the basics of the Christian worldview when He calls us to make a wholehearted commitment to His life and teaching (Matt. 6:25–34; 7:13–14, 21–27). All people have a worldview — a construct that, like eye glasses, is the lens through which we interpret reality and make our everyday decisions. The Christian worldview is defined by the words and deeds of our Savior,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.
Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 