The Sermon on the Mount: A 21-Day Guide to the Greatest Sermon Ever PreachedSample

True Authority

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

What made Jesus special? Was it the words He said? Was it the miracles He performed? Was it the effect He had on people? Was it His impact on the world?

All of those things play a part in what makes Jesus unique and this sermon so influential. But none of those things would be possible if it wasn’t for His authority. When Jesus spoke, He wasn’t just sharing His opinion. When He acted, He wasn’t simply abiding by the laws of nature.

Jesus was more than just a man. He’s God in human form, the Son of God who came into the world, full of grace and truth. He’s the Author of the universe who put on flesh and blood and made Himself known. He’s the Ruler of the cosmos who came close enough to touch.

The same authority used to weave the natural world was carried through His words. The same authority that forged everything from nothing was felt in His miracles.

The first listeners of this sermon hung on every word because they’d witnessed—with their own eyes—Jesus heal the sick, cast out demons, give sight to the blind, and preach the good news that God’s kingdom was arriving on earth as it is in heaven.

Now, 2000 years later, people from every continent take these teachings so seriously that they build their entire lives on them. Why? Because Jesus has authority far beyond anyone or anything else in this world. He is the Savior King and Son of God who died and rose again to save us from our sin.

What did Jesus say?

He taught us that the kingdom of God begins and ends with grace—that the gospel He preached is built on a bedrock of blessing (Matthew 5:3-16).

He revealed to us that the purpose of the Law is to make us perfect, and that true perfection isn’t a prize to achieve but a promise to receive when we believe (Matthew 5:17-48).

He showed us that what we do matters to God just as much as why we do it, and that the greatest reward comes when we serve for an audience of One (Matthew 6:1-18).

He instructed us to resist the urge to chase after the things of this world and to instead aim our lives at God and His kingdom, because He always delivers on His promises (Matthew 6:19-34).

He reminded us that every human being is created with love, dignity, and purpose as image bearers of God, so we treat others the same way we wish to be treated; when we do, we accomplish what the entire Law was teaching (Matthew 7:1-12).

He commanded us to put His words into practice, because the difference between narrow and broad roads, true and false disciples, and wise and foolish builders is whether or not we actually do what Jesus says (Matthew 7:13-27).

What did Jesus do?

He lived with integrity. Out of His integrity was born His authority, a natural expression of His identity as the Savior King and Son of God.

There was no gap between the words He said and the life He lived. Everything He said He would do, He did. He was good and true, through and through. This is why John, in a letter to early Christians, wrote, “... God is light; in him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). The light of Jesus’ life shined bright and pure.

As His ministry advanced, He told His followers that the time was quickly approaching when He would be killed, buried, and then rise again. Like before, what He said came to pass. His disciples were heartbroken when their friend, teacher, and lord was crucified and buried in the grave. But, on that first Easter Sunday, as light came bursting into the tomb and Jesus walked out of the grave, light once again filled the hearts of His people. More clearly than ever, they now saw Jesus for who He always was: the Savior King and Son of God, who died and rose again to save us from our sins.

With more passion, faith, and devotion than ever before, they followed Him and carried His mission forward. Why? Because they recognized His authority, they understood His identity, and they marveled at His integrity.

He was—and is—exactly who He claimed to be. And He did—and will do—all that He promised to do.

How can I apply that to my life today?

Make the Great Commission your life’s mission.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 NIV

Jesus is the rightful Ruler of the universe. When He tells us what to do, it’s wise to listen. Thankfully, we never have to question His motives. He is love personified, grace and truth fully realized. We can trust that every command He gives is an expression of His love and is always for our good.

Our King has commanded us to go and make disciples—to bring people into His family through faith in Him, to baptize them in His name, and to teach them to obey everything He’s commanded. That’s no small task. The good news is that we’re not on our own. Jesus promises to be with us every step of the way—all the way to the end of the age. Let’s get to work.

Where should you start? Start with yourself. Discover all that Jesus teaches in the Gospels and commit to obey what He says. When you’ve begun that process, it’s time to bring others with you. Pray for God to show you who you can start discipling; ask them to come to church with you, serve your community with you, or read the Bible with you. Remember, Jesus promised to be with you every step of the way—you don’t need to have all the answers or have discipleship “figured out.” Trust Him and follow His lead.

One way to start this journey is to read through the rest of Matthew’s Gospel. You’ll learn more about who Jesus is, all that He accomplished, and what He commands us to do as His followers. This Bible Plan is a great guide: Learning the Jesus Way of Life.

As you take your next steps, this is our prayer for you, a prayer the Apostle Paul prayed over his brothers and sisters in Christ:

Father God, fill this person with the knowledge of Your will through all the wisdom and understanding that Your Spirit gives, so that they may live a life worthy of You and please You in every way. We pray that they would bear fruit in every good work, grow in the knowledge of You, be strengthened with all power according to Your glorious might so that they may have great endurance and patience, and give joyful thanks to You, who has qualified them to share in the inheritance of Your holy people in the kingdom of light.

We also pray that they would keep their eyes fixed on You, that they would find good community that points to You, and that they would use their blessings and position to share Your gospel around the world.

We trust that You are in control of everything and we wait expectantly for Your return. We love You, God.

In Jesus’ name, amen.