Devotion #1: The Proper Place of Authority
We live in a world and society where it almost seems impossible to be surprised. The scenarios range from the depravity that has taken over Hollywood, the cold-hearted, unthinkable responses of people in desperate situations, or the political climate where you could never imagined the cruel climate of slander we call our governance. How about the church? Maybe you see the church walking in a manner that is just numbing to the mind. Unfortunately, the church that disregards clear instructions written in the Bible is no longer surprising. Honestly, I think it takes a lot to astonish us anymore. The unthinkable is not so unthinkable these days.
I wonder if the crowd that heard the words of Jesus in this sermon may have thought the same thing. As far as culture goes, the Romans were not exactly the role model of society. You will better understand this if you do some historical research on the city of Corinth. I am sure the behavior of society grieved people who were in attendance on that hillside. Politics is politics, no matter what the era is. I am certain that some individuals heard the sermon Jesus preached with the same concerns we have today regarding the state of government, society, and religion. It is most certain that people in the crowd had strong emotional responses toward the current situation, and their religious leaders had found themselves to be compromised towards the things of men rather than the things of God. The statement that is recorded after Jesus’ message is one that I hope we take to heart.
Matthew 7:28–29 says, “And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.”
Listen to similar words spoken of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark, “And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, ‘Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offense at him” (Mark 6:2–3).
To consider these statements in our own era and our own circumstances is something that should make us ponder for a while. What would cause me to be astonished? What kind of teaching would shock me? What kind of authority would make me stop and be amazed? Would it shock you to hear a man of authority speak words of care and concern for the marginalized? Would it be an amazing sight to hear a man put evil rulers in their proper place? Would mighty words of wisdom stop you in your place and make you examine it?
Jesus said words that astonished the people:
- “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3
- “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14
- “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Matthew 5:17
- “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites.” Matthew 6:5
- “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:19–20
- “Judge not, that you be not judged.” Matthew 7:1
- “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21
These are just a few of the shocking statements that were spoken by Jesus in this message. The conclusion that the people walked away after hearing all the wonderful things Jesus preached was that He was indeed a man of authority, a man of power, a man of wisdom, and a man of truth.
This was the opposite of their current leaders. Their scribes and Pharisees were not men of honor, power, or authority. They were not men of truth and righteousness. They were men who opposed true things and thought it would be better to destroy anyone who dared speak of them.
Mark 11:18 records, “And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching.”
This can be taken in many different ways, so I want to be careful not to mislead anyone. However, this sentiment could feel a little closer to home in our current season as a nation, church, and society. Instead of looking for the authority of Jesus in our lives, we would rather seek how to destroy the opposition. The hope is that Jesus had authority then, He has authority now, and He will always be in authority! The choice for us is whether we are going to let Him actually rule with that authority in our lives. Are we going to be amazed at His wonderful, wise, loving, and sometimes shocking instructions for our lives, or do we walk away and ignore them?
Are we going to be offended by the words of Jesus? Are we going to look for ways to destroy His credibility or make His words seem less significant? Will we choose our own thing and be shocked at the result of our life without Jesus?
My hope and prayer is you will place Jesus at the proper place of authority in your life, right at the very top. Take the sermon that has been written for your benefit and mine. Submit to His authority and make Jesus the King of your life!