Why Christ Could Speak with Authority

A. The teachings of Jesus often amazed his hearers. The crowds were used to hearing theories or religious opinions.

1. Jesus spoke with authority, not as the scribes or Pharisees.

B. Why could Christ speak with authority?

1. He spoke with authority because of who He is.

2. He spoke with authority because of what He was doing.

3. He spoke with authority because of what He is going to do.

Matthew 7:28–29 NKJV

28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, 29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Who Is Jesus?

Who Is Jesus?

1. He is the second person of the trinity ()

Matthew 28:18–20 NKJV

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

a. We baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

b. His position in the trinity is declared in every baptism.

c. He is the creator. ()

John 1:4 NKJV

4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.

d. He is the redeemer ()

Colossians 1:14 NKJV

14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

e. He is the eternal one

1. “Before Abraham was, I am” ()

2. “I am the first and the last” ()

f. He is the only begotten of the Father ()

g. He is the only way to heaven ()

John 14:6 NKJV

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

What Was Jesus Doing?

1. He was then on His mission of redemption.

a. He was more than a great teacher.

b. He was far more than just a popular religious figure.

c. He was the Lamb of God on His way to the cross ()

John 1:29 NKJV

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

2. He had humbled Himself that we might be exalted ()

Philippians 4:6–8 NKJV

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

3. He was revealing eternal truths to His listeners.

4. He was demonstrating His power over sin and sickness. ()

Matthew 8:1–3 NKJV

1 When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. 2 And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” 3 Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

5. He was proving His power over nature, stilling a sea in the storm. ()

6. He was setting sinners free. ()

Matthew 9:1–3 NKJV

1 So He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own city. 2 Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.” 3 And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, “This Man blasphemes!”

7. He was heading toward the cross to die and rise again. ()

What Is Jesus Going to Do?

1. He is going to return for His church ()

2. He is going to resurrect the Christian dead. ()

3. He is going to return with His church to end Armageddon. ()

4. He is going to set up His kingdom and reign a thousand years. ()

Conclusion:

A. Have you heard God’s Word and obeyed it?

B. Have you received Him as your Savior?

C. Are you ready for His return?

D. Have you surrendered to His authority?