Verse 28: “When“ (Καὶ ἐγένετο ὅτε) - Literally “And it happened when,“ indicating a transition. “Jesus“ (ὁ Ἰησοῦς) - The subject of the sentence. “had finished“ (ἐτέλεσεν) - Aorist tense, indicating completed action. “these“ (τοὺς) - Referring to the preceding teachings. “words“ (λόγους τούτους) - The content of Jesus' teaching. “the crowds“ (οἱ ὄχλοι) - The multitudes listening to Jesus. “were amazed“ (ἐξεπλήσσοντο) - Imperfect tense, suggesting ongoing amazement. “at His teaching“ (ἐπὶ τῇ διδαχῇ αὐτοῦ) - The cause of their amazement.
Verse 29: “for“ (γὰρ) - Explaining the reason for their amazement. “He was teaching“ (ἦν διδάσκων) - Imperfect tense, indicating continuous action. “them“ (αὐτοὺς) - The crowds. “as one having“ (ὡς ἐξουσίαν ἔχων) - Comparing Jesus to someone with authority. “authority“ (ἐξουσίαν) - Power, right, or authority. “and“ (καὶ) - Connecting the two parts of the comparison. “not“ (οὐχ) - Negation. “as“ (ὡς) - Like or in the manner of. “their scribes“ (οἱ γραμματεῖς αὐτῶν) - The religious experts of the day.
Background
This passage concludes the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus' most famous discourse. It summarizes the reaction of the crowds to Jesus' teaching, which covered a wide range of topics including the Beatitudes, the fulfillment of the Law, prayer, and righteous living.
Key Points
Jesus' teaching had a profound impact on His listeners.
The crowds were continuously amazed by His words.
Jesus taught with an authority that set Him apart from the religious leaders of His day.
The scribes, despite their learning, lacked the authority that Jesus possessed.
This passage highlights the unique nature of Jesus' ministry and message.
Reflection Questions
What aspects of Jesus' teaching do you find most astonishing or challenging?
How does Jesus' authority impact your own life and decision-making?
In what ways might our modern religious teachings lack the authority that Jesus demonstrated?
How can we cultivate a sense of amazement at Jesus' words in our daily Bible reading?
What does it mean for us to teach or share the gospel “with authority“ in our own contexts?
Applications
Read through the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) this week, noting the teachings that particularly impact you.
Reflect on how Jesus' authoritative teaching should shape your worldview and actions.
Consider how you can communicate the teachings of Jesus to others with conviction and authority.
Examine your own life to see if you're living in a way that reflects the authority of Jesus' words.
Pray for a renewed sense of awe and amazement at the teachings of Jesus.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before You in awe of the authority and power of Jesus' words. Your teachings continue to amaze us, challenge us, and transform us. We thank You for speaking with an authority that surpasses all human wisdom.
Father, we ask that You would renew our sense of wonder at Your Word. Help us to approach Scripture not as a familiar text, but as living and active truth that has the power to change our lives.
Grant us the wisdom and courage to live under the authority of Jesus' teachings. May we not merely be hearers of the Word, but doers also. Help us to communicate Your truth to others with the conviction and authority that comes from a life transformed by Your Spirit.
We pray for our religious leaders and teachers, that they would teach with the authority that comes from a deep relationship with You. May Your Church be known for proclaiming Your Word with power and authenticity.
Finally, Lord, we ask that You would continue to amaze us with Your teachings. Open our eyes to see new depths in Your Word, and give us hearts that are ever receptive to Your voice.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.