“And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”

Matthew 7:28-29

JESUS’ WORDS SEEEMED TO REACH INTO HEARTS

By Jay H. Graham

From the Chapel Glen Church of Christ Bulletin

At least twice in Jesus’ ministry it was noted that Jesus’ teachings were different than those of the Jewish scribes as in the above verse. Mark makes the same observation in Mk 1:22. The above verses are at the close of what is com- monly called Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. In Matt chapters 5-7 Jesus gave to the people words that could only come from God, Himself. This may have been Jesus’ first extended time of teaching in which He addresses a multitude of people in what seems to be one setting.

During this time Jesus taught on very serious thought and heart provoking topics that seemed to primarily emphasis what the conditions of our hearts should be. He taught if our hearts are right and as they should be our actions will follow. Much of His teaching seemed to be in contrast to the Jewish leaders as they empha- sized actions first without first cleaning the heart. Jesus also taught that much of what they had been taught by their religious leaders was often misguided and very shallow as well as self-serving (toward the Jewish leaders). The spirits of the people were being harmed by the teaching of their leaders in many ways.

The people noted Jesus taught as one having authority! Especially when compared to the scribes’ teachings. This probably has a number of aspects to con- sider, but one thing that I think is apparent is that Jesus’ words were received well by those with soft and sincere hearts. Jesus’ teaching was not what we might term as “insignificant” or “shallow”. His words had deep substance, for they were based on real life and attitudes of the heart and spirit. He did not teach on “rules and regula- tions” or shallow principles. He taught on attitudes of humility and thankfulness and godliness. He portrayed His Father’s divine principles as the only things worthy of submitting to and meditating upon.

It is for these and other reasons Jesus’ words had power that the Jewish leaders’ did not have. Jesus’ words provided power to live a life of godliness and holiness. His words entailed true repentance. His words had Life as no other teach- ings could! His words gave Life as no other words could provide.

It is my conviction these are some of the reasons why the people said He taught with authority. As a result, those with soft hearts cried out for His teachings. They cried out for the Hope that only His words could provide. The people knew Jesus’ words were different, for they seemed to reach into the hearts and minds of men and women that provided true life and godliness.

May we all let the Lord’s words work on our hearts and minds as well.

DEALING WITH TROUBLING EVENTS

2020 has not been a good year for most people throughout this world and especially our society in these united states, and it is barely half over. We have seen one difficult tragedy after another. Of course the virus and our government’s re- sponses to it have been rough for many to live through and the many who have liter- ally not lived through it sadly. We are in the midst of very troubling societal issues that have disturbed many and continue to be disruptive to lives and spirits. And of course there is the normal political turmoil that seems to constantly surround us eve- ry 4 years, though it seems to becoming year-round for various reasons. I am bring- ing this to your attention, not to discuss political issues, but to point out this year has seen more than its share of problems to be sure. When you add to the mix a society that seems to continue to refuse more and more of the basic Truths the Lord has given to us to order our lives around we should not be surprised at what we are seeing. These Truths apply to our individual lives as individuals, as families and as a society. It should be no surprise to us to see such fractures in our culture.

To be sure, there is a temptation for the Lord’s Christians to throw our hands into the air and cry “Woe are us!” We are tempted to lash out at what we per- ceive is causing the many problems. We are tempted to try to “Fight back” and de- mand our “Rights”! After all, that seems to be what the rest of the world is doing and even many religious people. It is my contention that this not what the Lord wants of us in these times. He wants the same of us now that He has always wanted from His people in every generation. He desires we endeavor to walk with Him and serve one another including those we know who are not of His family.

The following verses are what helps me continue to do what I believe the Lord requires of me. He requires that I hold to Him! I hope they will help you as well.

Phil. 4:4- 9 -- "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.