One With Authority (Matthew 7:28-29)

 


Thursday, 25 September, 2025


Psalms 62; 63

1 Kings 14:19-15:8

Matthew 7:24-8:4


Observance: Sergius of Moscow, abbot and teacher (d. 1392)


One With Authority (Matthew 7:28-29)


And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.


I love this line. Maybe it’s because I’m a Queensland native, and try as I might, there is always going to be some latent anti-intellectualism in me. But isn’t it wonderful to hear that our Lord is not worth hearing because of some letters after his name! It always makes me think of the difference between the Biblical scholar in his big university and the faithful parish priest out in the bush. Who would you rather have preach at your funeral?


Of course there are wonderfully faithful scholars and non-spiritual priests. But the common people who heard Jesus preach his Sermon on the Mount were astonished at his teaching because he preached with authority, and not as their scribes. Jesus didn’t make references to academic articles on the Old Testament; rather, he just went ahead and spoke for himself.


No-one else can get away with this, of course. If you want to go and start a religious group on the basis that God has given you a private and special revelation, you will be in the company of those who are called cults. But the Church doesn’t do that: we point to Jesus, as the highest and clearest revelation of God to us. Because he teaches as one with authority, and he proved his authority when he rose from the dead.


How do you discern God’s opinion on things? How much do you consult the teachings of Jesus as your authority?


Jesus Christ, you speak for God and as God, and teach God’s truth to every person in every age: incline our hearts to your Law, that we may grow in heavenly wisdom and love.

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