A Roman centurion asked Jesus to heal his servant (Matt. 8:5–13). Shall I come to your home? Jesus asked. The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
In this encounter the centurion’s faith was expressed in his straightforward description of Jesus’ authority. The crowds listening to the Sermon on the Mount were similarly amazed at Jesus (v. 28). His disciples were amazed at His statement about how hard it was for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 19:24). In addition, the crowds were astonished at His answer to the Sadducees regarding the resurrection of the dead (Matt. 22:32–33).
In each of these cases, Jesus spoke with authority in contradicting popular opinion, common interpretations of the Law, or the religious leaders of the day. The Sermon on the Mount specifically conveyed authority that was “not as their teachers of the law” (v. 29). Jesus had asserted His divine authority throughout His ministry, for example, His authority to forgive sins (Matt. 9:6). The Great Commission that we obey today is founded on this: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matt. 28:18).
What were the religious leaders of Jesus’ day missing? They had layered over God’s Word with traditions and legalism. They had no heart to obey. They were not seeking to draw near to the Lord. Jesus, on the other hand, is the Author of all Scripture!
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Pray with Us
Thank You for the truths You’ve taught us from Your Word this month, Father. Help us follow the commands You have given us. You are worthy of our obedience and our praise!
He taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.Matthew 7:29
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