August 27, 2004

THE AMAZING TEACHER

"When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law" (Matthew 7:28, 29, NIV).

The crowds were amazed! What a description of Christ as a teacher! What was so amazing about His teaching? There was always something fresh, inspiring, and life-giving about what Jesus had to say as a teacher.

The first three Gospels record the response of the people to what Jesus taught. Matthew and Mark report that "the crowds were amazed at His teaching" (Matthew 7:28, NIV; cf. Mark 1:22). But Luke states that, "Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers" (Luke 2:47, NIV). As a teacher, Christ is peerless in the content, quality, and style of His teaching. No wonder Nicodemus described Him as "a teacher who has come from God" (John 3:2, NIV). This amazing Teacher always spoke with clarity, persuasion, and power. The people were deeply impressed and amazed by His exposition of truth. Christ's listeners stood in awe and astonishment as He told His compelling parables. No one who heard Jesus teach was ever the same again. What He taught and how He taught were always revolutionary and life-changing. Amazed as His teaching, people either embraced it or rejected it.

In His masterful teaching style, Jesus clearly unfolded before the people the great truths of the gospel. He did so with persuasion and authority, but without being dogmatic. He did not dwell on the opinions of men, but on spiritual certainties that brought healing to the sin-sick, rest to the weary, and hope to the hopeless. People were amazed at Jesus's teaching because of the life-giving freshness of the new wine that He offered them (see Mark 2:22). The new wine represented the vital truth of the gospel at work in the lives of men and women. "The mission of Jesus was demonstrated by convincing miracles. His doctrine astonished the people... His teaching was plain, clear, and comprehensive. The practical truths He uttered had a convincing power, and arrested the attention of the people. Multitudes lingered at His side, marveling at His wisdom."--Reflecting Christ, p. 101.

My Prayer Today: Lord, I, too, am amazed and inspired by the saving and transforming power of Your teaching. Amen.