The Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 5 - 7
Chapter 7
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.
What does this mean?
Explanation of Matthew 7:28-29
This passage concludes Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and provides insight into the reaction of the crowds to His
teaching. Here’s a detailed biblical explanation of each part:
"When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching,"
- Explanation: The phrase "these things" refers to the teachings delivered by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount,
which spans Matthew chapters 5 through 7. The crowds were "amazed" or "astonished" because Jesus' teachings were
profound, challenging, and unlike anything they had heard before. His words resonated deeply with them, causing
a strong reaction.
"because he taught as one who had authority,"
- Explanation: Jesus' teaching was characterized by authority. Unlike other religious teachers of the time, Jesus
spoke with a unique and intrinsic authority. This authority was not derived from citing other teachers or
traditions but came directly from His own understanding and relationship with God. His teachings carried weight
and a sense of divine endorsement that set them apart.
"and not as their teachers of the law."
- Explanation: The "teachers of the law" (scribes) were the religious scholars and experts in the Jewish law. They
often taught by quoting other authorities and relying heavily on established traditions and interpretations. In
contrast, Jesus taught with a directness and confidence that suggested He had firsthand knowledge of God's will.
This distinction highlighted the originality and authenticity of Jesus' message, which made a powerful
impression on the listeners.
Summary:
In this passage, the reaction of the crowds to Jesus' teaching underscores the unique and authoritative nature of
His message. The crowds were astonished because Jesus' teachings were not only profound and challenging but also
delivered with an authority that was distinct from the scribes and teachers of the law. While the scribes relied on
tradition and external sources, Jesus spoke with direct authority, reflecting His intimate relationship with God and
His role as the Son of God. This authoritative teaching style contributed to the powerful impact of the Sermon on
the Mount and further established Jesus as a unique and transformative teacher.
