Matthew 7:28-29 Now when Yeshua had finished these words, the crowds were astounded at His teaching, for He was teaching them as one having authority and not as+their Torah scholars.

There I was (a few minutes ago), asking the Lord how to end this series on the Sermon on the Mount, when the Scriptures themselves provided the ending. Matthew 7:28a Now when Yeshua had finished … the crowds were astounded. What astounded the crowds? The very next Scripture answers the question. Matthew 7:29 for He was teaching them as one having authority and not as their Torah scholars.

Can you explain this? What does it mean “… as one having authority?” When a scholar writes to explain ideas, every author builds on the work of others. I’m talking about scholarly theses, not fictional imaginations. How many works must be cited in term papers, 10 to 15? Listen to the tone of Yeshua teaching in His Sermon on the Mount.

Matthew 5:13a You are the salt of the earth …
Matthew 5:14a You are the light of the world …
Matthew 5:17a Do not think that I came to abolish the Torah …
Matthew 5:20a For I tell you …
Matthew 5:22a But I tell you that everyone who is angry …
Matthew 5:26a Amen, I tell you, you will never get out of there …
Matthew 5:28a But I tell you that everyone who looks upon a woman …
Matthew 5:32a But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife …
Matthew 5:34a But I tell you, do not swear at all …
Matthew 5:39a But I tell you, do not resist an evildoer …
Matthew 5:44a But I tell you, love your enemies …

Do you catch the tone of Yeshua’s teaching as with authority? He alone has the authority. He alone is the authority. One with authority isn’t weighing options, or seeking the best way forward. One with authority knows Who He is and commands every thought. His path is straight. When Yeshua says, “Follow me,” He is calling us to righteousness and truth.

Psalm 23:3b He guides me in paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake.

Romans 10:11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever trusts in Him will not be put to shame.”

Let’s continue this discussion with one last installment next time.