Wowed by a Speaker

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.

When was the last time you were wowed by the words of a speaker?  Now, I’m not referring to how well they spoke, or their humor, not even being able to hold a group’s attention; when was the last time you experienced someone whose words were true and they spoke as one who had authority?  Maybe we should first define authority: “It is the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience, a person or organization having power or control in a particular, typically political or administrative, sphere, the power to influence others, esp. because of one's commanding manner or one's recognized knowledge about something.”  (Dictionary)

It has been stated that the best commentary on the Bible is the Bible, and with that said, let us explore what it has to say about Jesus as the authority.  In the gospel by John, we have these words from Jesus: “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” (John 8:58)  You might want to give thought to John 17:5, “And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.”  Last, let me share this truth from our Savior; “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

You might wonder where did authority come from, and Jesus answered the question in Matthew 28:18, “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” And to whom is he talking, the eleven disciples on a mountain in Galilee who have come, after His resurrection, to worship him.  Some who read this may have reservations, if so, your not that odd, look at Matthew 28:17, “And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.”  Those doubters became world changers after Pentecost, and I am sure they remembered the words of Jesus found in the Acts of the Apostles, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” “And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.” (Acts 1:8-9)

Jesus has made it very clear, He does not need man’s approval, for He understands what is in the heart of mankind, but this is what the people said after listening to his message: “The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this?  A new teaching – and with authority!  He even gives orders to the evil spirits and they obey him.”

The Bible has warned us about a time when people will no longer bow to authority; it is this writer’s belief that we are in the time.  As I was often told a word to the wise is sufficient, let this be to the wise: “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done.”  (Revelation 22:12)

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice