WHEN JESUS SPEAKS

John 7:46, “The officers answered, ‘Never did a man speak the way this man speaks.’”

Matthew 17:5, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; hear Him.”

The chief priests and Pharisees sent their officers to bring Jesus to them. They returned without Him. “Why did you not bring Him?” they asked. “The officers answered, ‘Never did a man speak the way this man speaks” (John 7:46).

This was the typical response of those who heard Him. He had been teaching in the temple. “The Jews were marveling, saying, ‘How has this man become learned, having never been educated?’ (John 7:14).” Jesus response? “My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me.” His teaching was heaven sent.

Even as a young man His words brought astonishment to others: “And it came about that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers” (Luke 2:46-47).

He knew what to say when tempted. “It is written,” He declared (Matthew 4:4). And then, agonizing in the garden, He declared, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as Thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39). From the mouth of sinners sinful words flow: “Their throat is an open grave” (Romans 3:13). But Jesus never uttered a sinful word (1 Peter 2:22, “Who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth”).

Opponents tried to trick Him or trap Him in His words. But His wisdom was too great “and they were unable to catch Him in a saying in the presence of His people; and marveling at His answer, they became silent” (Luke 20:26).

The crowds heard Him speak and were amazed: “The result was that when Jesus had finished these words, the multitudes were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching as one having authority, and not as their scribes” (Matthew 7:28-29; Cf. Mark 1:22, 6:2).

His words imparted wisdom (Matthew 13:54), confronted sin (Matthew 23), expressed love (Matthew 11:25-30), and demonstrated power (Mark 1:27, 4:39; John 11:43).

From the cross He asked for the forgiveness of those who were mocking Him (Luke 23:34). He spoke of triumph in His death (John 19:30, “It is finished”).

Not all had ears to hear (Matthew 13:10-17). He spoke of difficult matters, and on one occasion, “many of His disciples withdrew, and were not walking with Him any more” (John 6:60, 66). “Jesus said therefore to the twelve, ‘You do not want to go away also, do you?’ Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.’ (John 6:67-68).

Jesus speaks words of eternal life. The way, the truth, and the life speaks truth unto life to those who will hear (Cf. 2 Timothy 3:15). His Word is powerful to save and transform (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and listened. She refused to be distracted by lesser concerns. Jesus said of her devotion, “She has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42). The good part, the most important thing, is to hear what Jesus has to say. What is the one thing that you know that you could do that would most benefit you in your walk with Jesus? Is it not to hear what Jesus has to say, to devote ourselves to hearing and doing His word. “Therefore every one who hears these words of Mine, and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock” (Matthew 7:24).

“No one ever spoke like this man” they said. He was no ordinary Man and they were no ordinary Words. Many heard Jesus and were amazed at what they heard. Lord help us to approach Your word with a heart full of eager anticipation. Help us to be continually astonished by what You have to say. May your Word work in us endearing our hearts and engendering praise, thanksgiving, and devotion.

Pastor Jerry