Amazement and Authority
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowd were amazed at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
Matthew 7:28-29
We are told that those who heard Jesus speak responded with amazement.[1] The Sermon on the Mount filled them with wonder – this rural rabbi had an authority all His own.[2] He did not need to depend upon quotations from others in order to make His case. His words were compelling.
The question of authority was an important one for the scribes and Pharisees. At first, they were unsure where Jesus obtained the authority to speak as He did.[3] Later, as He began to question some of their practices, and especially when Jesus seemed to be undermining the Law, they did not hesitate to suggest that Jesus was acting under the influence of evil.[4] In all of this, they feared that their authority was being challenged, and that their position within society was being diminished. They could not see that Jesus’ authority came directly from His Father.[5]
Notice what the text does not say. Matthew does not tell us that Jesus’ listeners were moved to worship, or to obedience. His only comment is that they were amazed. Surely, this is not enough. If it was hardness of heart that drove Jesus to the cross, perhaps it began here. First, the scribes and Pharisees were jealous of Jesus’ authority, and worried about their own. Second, the people were more interested in Jesus as a worker of wonders, not as a Savior. Amazement is not adoration. They were intrigued, for the moment, by the man who did miracles, and by the teacher who stood up against the religious authorities. But their amazement did not lead them to faith. An interest in this remarkable man is not the same as turning to Christ in faith. We may be fascinated by His story without bending our wills before His sovereignty. But Jesus Christ is more than a miracle worker; He is the Savior. In answer to the One whose demands upon your life are absolute, the only acceptable response is the glad surrender of faith. May that response be yours.
My Lord and my God,
While the world looks for wonders,
while the curious seek signs,
I will look, in faith, upon the Christ who gave His all for me.
What response can I give, Lord, save the offering of myself?
All that I have, all that I am, I give for You alone.
Amen.
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