What do you think makes a good speaker? Is it the words they use? Maybe the tone of their voice? Their ability to use both humor and seriousness? Perhaps their ability to speak in a way that people understand? Or the courage to speak truthfully and with conviction?
Referring to his wartime speeches, John F. Kennedy once described Winston Churchill’s ability to speak this way: “He mobilized the English language and sent it into battle.”
When Jesus finished delivering the Sermon on the Mount, the reaction of his audience was striking. Matthew 7:28-29 (NLT) tells us, “When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority – quite unlike their teachers of religious law.”
The people were astonished – not just by what Jesus said, but by how He said it. His teaching wasn’t full of quotes and debates from other rabbis, leaving the audience to puzzle over which interpretation might be true. Jesus taught with clarity and finality, speaking as One who possessed absolute authority. Why? Because He did!
Jesus wasn’t a messenger of someone else’s truth; He is the Truth (John 14:6). Every word He spoke came from His intimate knowledge of God’s heart, plan, and will. When He interpreted Scripture, He did so with firsthand understanding as its Author.
For His listeners, this was entirely new. The religious leaders of the day often leaned on traditions and human interpretations, pointing to the authority of others to validate their teaching. But Jesus didn’t need to borrow authority – He owned it. Whether He was blessing the poor in spirit, calling out hypocrisy, or declaring who will enter the kingdom of heaven, His words carried the weight of heaven itself.
So, how do His words land with you today? Do you sense the same authority that amazed the crowds? Are you willing to let His truth challenge, comfort, and change you?
Take a moment to marvel at the fact that the One who spoke with such power still speaks today – through His Word, by His Spirit, and into your life. Let His words amaze you anew and remind you that the One with all authority is also the One who loves you completely!
Former Blackout Artist 