Teaching With Authority

I read these words this morning: "When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law." (Matt 7:28-29 NIV) The phrase, "he taught as one who had authority" perked my interest this morning. There is a lot of information being generated and dispensed in this age. We are living in an information age that makes me feel like I am on overload at times. Thanks to technology all kinds of info is available to me. But what good is knowledge without authority to proclaim or share it? What really carries weight is when the dispenser of information shares it with knowledge and conviction.

I like the words of Matthew 7:28-29 from The Message. "When Jesus concluded his address, the crowd burst into applause. They had never heard teaching like this. It was apparent that he was living everything he was saying — quite a contrast to their religion teachers! This was the best teaching they had ever heard." Jesus had just got down teaching on a hill side to a crowd of people. Matthew, chapters five, six and seven are filled with practical advise. The listeners were aware that Jesus lived out his teachings. This gave him authority in the eyes of the listener. Would like someone to respect you and listen to you? Live out what your speak, teach, and preach.