THIS IS TABLE ROCK FELLOWSHIP – PASTOR RYAN LADEN
Authority
Once again we are in the last section of the message of the Sermon on the Mount, listening to the challenge of Jesus Christ that was given to all who were listening to his teaching. In the closing words of the passage below, we will hear a very interesting message about the authority and power of Jesus’ teaching:
““Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” 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.”
Great Authority
In verses 28-29, we hear about how the people around Jesus Christ received his teaching as that of someone with unusual and even great authority. Jesus was not like the teachers of the law who were said to only be interested in the keeping of religion and could not be bothered to care for the needs or the souls of those under their care (see Mathew 23:1-12 for more).
This kind of authority led many people to Jesus throughout his ministry, and in the same way, it led many of the religious leaders to turn against Jesus. He spoke the truth in ways that cut through the fog of religion, and all of our equivocations and justifications.
Followers
It was this same authority that was recognized in the teaching and ministry of the followers of Jesus Christ. Those who had been under his leadership were changed by their time with Jesus. They too developed a message of power and authority that can only have come from God. We can hear an example of this truth in the following passage:
“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”
No Longer Ordinary
Before they became followers of Jesus, Peter and John were ordinary men. Peter and his brother Andrew were a part of their family fishing business on the Galilee. John and his brother James were known as the “Sons of Thunder” in the towns and villages around the Galilee, and were not exactly revered as scholars.
But as they drew near to Jesus, the Spirit of God changed them into people that shared in a small portion of the authority and strength of the Christ. In Acts 4:13, we hear how even their opponents were shocked by their wise words, and could attribute it to no one other than Jesus Christ.
Effect
Such is the effect of being found in the word of God on a regular basis. If we build our lives on the solid rock of God’s word, we too will be changed and transformed into the image of Christ in such a way that others will soon notice. This is why we need to commit ourselves to regular reading and application of the message of the Christian Bible.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ,
help me to become more and more like you
as I embrace the truth of your word,
and look to you to help me live it out daily.
I trust you to do in me what you did in Peter and John
as I too look to you for truth and strength.
Thank you, Jesus.
In Christ,
Ryan Laden
OUR MISSION AS A CHURCH
“TO ENCOURAGE AND EQUIP EACH OTHER IN LOVE TO KNOW JESUS AND MAKE HIM KNOWN”
CONTACT INFO
- (541) 245-2612
- Answers@TableRockFellowship.com
- 3610 N Pacific Hwy
Medford Oregon 97501
DINING WITH JESUS PRODUCTIONS 
You must be logged in to post a comment.