Matthew 7:28
And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
Matthew 7:28
This verse marks the reaction of the crowd after hearing Jesus conclude the Sermon on the Mount. The astonishment isn’t about clever sayings but about the authority of his teaching. In a world where rabbis cited authorities, Jesus spoke as one who had intrinsic authority, not merely an interpreted set of traditions. The astonishment signals a turning point: people begin to realize they are hearing something fundamentally transformative, not simply a compilation of rabbinic debates. The setting reinforces the pivotal moment when Jesus’ words reveal his unique role in God’s redemptive plan.
Theological significance centers on Jesus’ authority. This isn’t merely moral instruction; it’s the proclamation of the King and the inauguration of a new covenant dynamic. Jesus teaches with imperative force and personal credibility. This authority implies divine backing and demands a response—whether trust, submission, or rejection. It also challenges readers to re-evaluate how they weigh human tradition against the direct proclamation of the Messiah. The crowd’s astonishment points to an encounter with God’s presence breaking into human history.
We are called to respond to Jesus not as a clever speaker but as the authoritative Lord. This means letting his words shape choices, not just feelings. Practical steps: memorize key teachings (e.g., love your enemies, seek justice, pursue purity), submit plans to prayer, and invite accountability from mature believers. When a sermon or Bible study leaves you astonished, don’t stop at emotion—ask, “What change does this require in my life today?” Consider areas where you tend to depend on tradition or whim rather than Christ’s authority, and invite the Spirit to recalibrate those areas.
Cross-References
- Matthew 7:29
- Mark 1:22
- Luke 4:32
- John 7:46
- Hebrews 1:1-2