Moment of Meditation: True Authority (Matthew 7:28-29)

''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).

Some people just have that presence. They walk into the room and everyone turns to listen to what they have to say. I'm not talking about those goofy celebrities that everyone just wants to hear what foolishness they'll say next. I'm talking about those who have a true presence and are revered for their authority.

The Jewish scribes of Jesus' day had that celebrity presence. But they had to borrow their celebrity from those who had taught them. It wasn't their authority. It was someone else's. There was always a cop-out if they were getting bogged down in an argument.

But Jesus didn't have that. His authority wasn't borrowed. His authority was His from all eternity. The eternal Son of God. Incarnate in the flesh. Condescending to us to reveal salvation through His death and resurrection. This is His authority. He is God. When He speaks, everyone will listen. Even if they don't listen now.

So listen to Him and be astounded as the eternal Son of God comes to you with His authority to save you on the Last Day. Amen.