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. (Matthew 7:28-29 ESV)

Jesus had been teaching the crowds. His teaching, called the Sermon on the Mount, is found in Matthew 5-7.

He communicated the Beatitudes to the crowd. He talked about, among other things, personal relationships, how to pray, the things we treasure, anxiety, judging others, and having the right foundation.

The crowds were astonished at Jesus’ teaching. To be astonished means to amaze, to stun, or to surprise exceedingly. They were in this condition because Jesus teaching was different. He taught as one who had authority.

Jesus pattern was to state what their understanding was saying “you have heard” and followed it up with “but I say to you.” His authority was evident in the way He spoke.

The scribes taught by rote and cited men as their authority. But Jesus had all authority. Just before He ascended to Heaven, as recorded in Matthew 28:18, He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

He had authority to send, to heal, to judge, to perform miracles, raise the dead, and to forgive sin.

The words and works of Jesus give testimony to His identity. Those who heard him were amazed, not so much at the content of His teaching, but with the person of Jesus. He taught as one having authority. He was different from all others.

He is the Son of the Father, the Way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father apart from Him. He amazed those who heard and saw Him. Many of those who heard believed and followed Him.

Others, we are told, “When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.” (Matthew 22:22)

What is your reaction to Jesus? Have you seen Him for who He is? Are you astonished at Him? Have you begun to follow Him? Do you join me in saying “Isn’t He amazing?”