Scripture

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowd were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority- quite unlike their teachers of religious law.

Observation

Anyone who follows Jesus’ teaching is like a man who builds a house on solid rock. Even when the rain comes and pours down, and the flood waters rise, it remains secure. Anyone who disobeys his teaching is like a man who builds his house on sand.

After Jesus finished teaching, the crowds were amazed at His authority.

Application

The crowd was amazed at the authority with which Jesus taught. It was so unlike the religious teachers they were used to.

Jesus taught with authority because He was the divine Son of God. He had all the authority of the Father to say what God was like and how followers of Jesus should behave.

This was so different from the rabbis who just gave opinions based on the authority of other rabbis.

God’s authority is always infinitely greater than any human opinion. God’s word lasts for ever, but human opinions vary with the wind.

Jesus has given us His authority to go and make disciples and teach them everything about Jesus.

Our teaching is not based on the latest “word” from some celebrity preacher. It is not necessarily even the latest sermon from our pastors.

No, our authority comes from the Holy Spirit living in us, giving us God’s word in the moment. It also comes from the bible, which is God’s authoritative word.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for the authority that you have given us to represent you and to stand for you. Please help me to stand on that authority and to resist the opinions of the world. Amen.