THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9
READING: MATTHEW 7:28-29
THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN
In these closing verses of the Sermon on the Mount, the crowds were struck by something that set Jesus apart from every other teacher they had encountered—His authority. While the scribes and religious leaders often taught by quoting others and relying on tradition, Jesus spoke with a direct, unshakable authority, as though He Himself was the source of truth. His words weren’t just interpretations of Scripture; they were the very words of God.
His authority comes from His identity as the Son of God and the fulfillment of God’s promises. So what does this mean for us today? How should that change the way we read His Word? How should it change the way we pray and worship? We can’t just walk away from these 15 weeks and be amazed at His teachings. We should be changed by them!
His teachings are not suggestions; they are the very foundation upon which we are called to build our lives. There’s a choice based on our belief in His authority and power to do what no one else could.
His authority comes from His identity as the Son of God and the fulfillment of God’s promises. So what does this mean for us today? How should that change the way we read His Word? How should it change the way we pray and worship? We can’t just walk away from these 15 weeks and be amazed at His teachings. We should be changed by them!
His teachings are not suggestions; they are the very foundation upon which we are called to build our lives. There’s a choice based on our belief in His authority and power to do what no one else could.
PRAYER POINTS
- For reverence and awe of Jesus and His authority: May we seek deeper recognition of Jesus and his power.
- For a willingness to obey Jesus’ teachings and be transformed by them: May He strengthen us so that these words become actionable in our daily lives and integrate into our thoughts, interactions, relationships and more.
- For a boldness to share the hope we have: May we not just hear these words and be amazed, but rather go and share them with grace to a world who needs to know the truth that brings life.