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Jesus’ Teaching—Simple, but With Authority, June 7
He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Matthew 7:29
.
At Capernaum Jesus dwelt in the intervals of His journeys to and fro, and it
came to be known as “his own city”....
It was a great thoroughfare of travel. People from many lands passed through
the city, and tarried for rest in their journeyings to and fro. Here Jesus could meet
all nations and all ranks, the rich and great as well as the poor and lowly, and His
lessons would be carried to other countries and into many households. Investigation
of the prophecies would thus be excited, attention would be directed to the Saviour,
and His mission would be brought before the world.
Notwithstanding the action of the Sanhedrin against Jesus, the people eagerly
awaited the development of His mission. All heaven was astir with interest. Angels
were preparing the way for His ministry, moving upon men’s hearts, and drawing
them to the Saviour.
In Capernaum the nobleman’s son whom Christ had healed was a witness to
His power. And the court official and his household joyfully testified of their faith.
When it was known that the Teacher Himself was among them, the whole city was
aroused. Multitudes flocked to His presence. On the Sabbath the people crowded
the synagogue until great numbers had to turn away, unable to find entrance.
All who heard the Saviour “were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was
with power” (
Luke 4:32
)....
Jesus had nothing to do with the various subjects of dissension among the Jews.
It was His work to present the truth. His words shed a flood of light upon the
teachings of the patriarchs and prophets, and the Scriptures came to men as a new
revelation. Never before had His hearers perceived such a depth of meaning in the
Word of God.
Jesus met the people on their own ground, as one who was acquainted with their
perplexities. He made truth beautiful by presenting it in the most direct and simple
way. His language was pure, refined, and clear as a running stream. His voice was
as music to those who had listened to the monotonous tones of the rabbis. But while
His teaching was simple, He spoke as one having authority. This characteristic set
His teaching in contrast with that of all others. The rabbis spoke with doubt and
hesitancy, as if the Scriptures might be interpreted to mean one thing or exactly the
opposite. The hearers were daily involved in greater uncertainty. But Jesus taught
the Scriptures as of unquestionable authority. Whatever His subject, it was presented
with power, as if His words could not be controverted.... In every theme God was
revealed (
The Desire of Ages, 252-254
).
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