Amazed by His Words

Verse: 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.

Devotion
There was something about Jesus that was clearly different. Anyone who came in contact with him knew it. He had a way about him that made people know that they were seen, and some loved it, some hated it. The way that he taught was incredible. He explained and brought to life the way of living that the Jewish people already knew, but perhaps did not completely understand.

He taught not just what to do, but how to do it, and why. The law is the boxes that we check, but Jesus shows us the life that he wants for us, the health, the relationships, the right position of our hearts. How treating others well and loving others, loveable or not, is the way that we fulfill the law.

It’s not surprising to me that after the sermon on the mount the people were amazed. Every aspect of life can be addressed through this incredible teaching. The words of Jesus are just cutting through the uncertainty and addressing the way we are to walk through our lives. We can measure our decisions on the rule of life that He sets out for us here.

It is clear what our priorities are to be. Loving God and loving others. And through his words, he teaches us what that looks like. How to go through life, being the hands and feet of Jesus. Seeing people and moving towards them. It’s not always easy or comfortable, but it is part of God’s design for living in community and having abundant life.

Author: Emily Costa