Resources/Articles
Astonishing
When Jesus had finished these words,
the multitudes were astonished at His teaching:
for He taught them as one having authority.
Matthew 7:38-29
Jesus uttered some marvelous principles of life as He taught from the mountain in Matthew 5-7. You cannot help being astonished as you continue to read in the book about His life.
His authority was astonishing. He did not utter these words without permission. Jesus said, “I spake not from myself, but the Father that sent Me, He hath given Me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak” (John 12:49). Some of the Jews were upset at His declaration of authority in the temple when He overturned the moneychangers’ tables, when He forgave sin, and when He said, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). It was God who gave Him such authority (Matthew 28:18). Will we view Jesu’ authority as bias, irrational dialogue? Is His message equal to a “state-of-the-state” address given by a governor? The weight of our Lord’s teaching is summarized in this: “The word that I spake, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).
His miracles were astonishing. He cured the blind, lepers, lame, deaf, and performed a feat no one has duplicated - calming a storm. Jesus turned an angry sea into a calm surface with His voice. Feeding five thousand was nothing unusual, but to feed them by starting out with only five loaves and two fish is an astonishing act. Who can match His walk on the water? How about raising a body from death? That is astonishing!
His life was astonishing. Jesus was provoked on numerous occasions. He was rejected and criticized. Throughout all the ridicule, He was humble, holy, and pure. Jesus showed us what self-control with the truth can do. He displayed a spirit that was compassionate yet firm. He could hug a child, then rebuke a hypocrite. He would pray for deliverance then pray for HIs enemies as the beat, mocked, and crucified Him. What is most amazing is His perfection under the heat of temptation directly from Satan (Matthew 4:1-11). In a situation which would intimidate all of us, Jesus illustrated conviction and courage in the will of God. Being perfect - sinless - is astonishing. He “did no sin, neither was guile found in HIs mouth” (1 Peter 2:22). He WAS and IS astonishing. We need to pay attention to this astonishing man because He IS “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
