Matthew 7:28-29
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. (ESV)
What does one who has authority look like?
It is vested power, derived from the omnipotence of God.
Authority must come from God to be valid.
In Mat 5v22, 28 and 32 Jesus spoke as one who has the authority by saying:
‘But I say to you…’
- The Reality of Jesus’ Authority
By virtue of:
a. Christ being the Creator (John 1v1-3; Heb. 1v2; Col. 1v16).
b. Him being the Heir (Ps. 2v8; Heb. 1v2).
c. Him being the Redeemer (Eph. 1v7; Acts 20v28).
With Authority go trust and respect.
Jesus deserves all our trust and all our respect. - The Realm of Jesus’ Authority
Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth (Mat 28v18).
He received it when He ascended and was seated at the right hand of God, being the King of kings and the Lord of lords, and the Head of the body, the Church (Col. 1v18) and its Saviour (Eph. 5v23).
We can say this of no other person who has ever walked the face of the earth. - The Recognition of Jesus’ Authority
a. He was worshipped by angels at His birth.
b. He is worshipped in heaven by many angels (Rev. 5v11-12).
c. The demons recognized His authority (Mark 1v23-24) and obeyed His rebuke (Mark 1v25-26).
d. He is praised by the redeemed (Rev. 7v9-10).
Jesus has all authority everywhere, all the time. You and I must confess His authority and heed His commands.