Matthew 7:28-29

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Imagine a large crowd gathered on a hillside in Galilee, listening to Jesus speak. When He finished, everyone was completely astonished at how He taught. This reaction comes from the end of one of His major teachings in the Gospel of Matthew, the Sermon on the Mount, which many Christians view as a blueprint for how the Christian life is meant to be lived.

The people felt the heavy impact of Jesus’s words, which set very high standards for how to live. They were stunned by the demands but also drawn in by the power and love in His message. Many followed Him down the mountain because they didn’t want to leave.

What stood out most was Jesus’ authority. He didn’t quote other teachers or refer to traditions like the religious leaders of the day, instead, Jesus spoke directly, as someone with the final say. He used phrases like “But I say to you” when explaining laws, and He talked about judgment day from the perspective of someone who would be the one in charge of it.

This direct authority grabbed the crowd. It showed Jesus wasn’t just sharing opinions—He was declaring truth with real power.

This teaching describes life under God’s rule. It describes life lived in a way that puts God first in everything. It’s meant for groups of believers that come together as a community, separate from worldly systems, to show the world that life patterned after God’s design is exactly what we were created for.

Yet, ideas like these go beyond just the group—they affect every aspect of daily life in society. Believers act like salt that preserves or light that shows the way. Their choices reflect real change from the inside out: controlling anger and desires, along with practical actions like forgiving others, going the extra mile, or giving without expecting return.

The love that is demonstrated is a reflection of who God is. Loving enemies, making peace, keeping promises, speaking truth without extra oaths, and including those pushed aside. This kind of love is a taste of God’s perfect way.

Living this out isn’t based on human effort alone. It comes from trusting God, praying, and depending on Him for strength. After all, it was Him who laid down His life for the sake of saving us. What He asks in return is faith in Jesus Christ, and lives surrendered to Him.

The message warns against weakening these standards or mixing them with compromises. Instead, we are to take them seriously now, build strong communities based on them, and look forward to God’s full rule.

Jesus’ authority stands in contrast to other teachers. He speaks as someone with full Divine power. This has inspired followers throughout history to obey fully, even when it means standing apart from common practices like ties to earthly powers.

In the end, the crowd’s astonishment highlights something unique: Jesus teaches as the One who truly decides and judges. His words call for full commitment, leading to lives that stand out and point others to God. This authority still challenges people today to respond with earth shaking awe and obedience.