Matthew 7:28-29

“And when Jesus finished these words,” is a phrase Matthew uses five times in his book. Though Matthew records nine discourses of Jesus altogether, he uses this phrase at the conclusion of the five largest discourses. Possibly Matthew intends to set these five sermons apart from the rest as the ones that significantly define the new kingdom. The following is a list of the five major discourses of Jesus recorded in Matthew:
1. The Sermon on the Mount, chapters 5-7
2. Discourse on Sacrifices of a Kingdom Citizen, chapter 10
3. The Parables of the Kingdom, chapter 13
4. Discourse on Brotherly Love in the Kingdom, chapter 18
5. Discourse on the Destruction of Jerusalem & End Times, chapters 24-25

When Jesus completed this sermon, we are told that the multitudes were “amazed” (NASB), “astonished” (NKJV). The people had never heard teaching like this. The scribes typically taught by citing the conclusions of well-known rabbis. Therefore, they taught by appealing to the authority of others. Jesus taught by saying that He is the authority. “I say unto you” was the repeated statement of Jesus. And even when He did not use that phrase, it was inferred by the force of His commands. No ordinary human could have spoken in such a way. Jesus spoke as one having authority because He is the ultimate authority.

As we conclude this great sermon, we must reflect on ourselves lest the words of Jesus become merely academic. Each of us must ask ourselves, “Am I poor in spirit, mourning over sins, hungering and thirsting for righteousness? Do I just keep the ‘letter of the law’ without practicing its full intent? When I worship, is my overriding concern how the Father sees my effort? Have I used worship to touch the thoughts and intents of my heart? How am I doing with material possessions? Am I trying to serve two masters? Is His kingdom and His righteousness first in my life? How do I treat my brother? Am I judgmental and picky, or do I love him as myself? Finally, am I just calling Him Lord, or am I really obeying Him as my Lord?”

Berry Kercheville