Matthew 7:28, 29 "When he had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not ass their teachers of the law."
Jesus has just given his "Sermon on the Mount" the most famous sermon in history. He covers such topics as murder, adultery, divorce, love for one's enemies, prayer and worry. As he concludes the message the crowd was in awe of the things he said and were amazed at his teaching.
2,000 years later and I am still amazed at his teaching. Here is what I am amazed at-I don't obey his teaching and I don't think I could. The standard Jesus sets here in Matthew 5-7 is extremely high and I know of no one who actually achieves this. At one point in 5:48 Jesus says "Be perfect, therefore as your heavenly father is perfect." Um, perfect? Can't do it if I tried. So what is the point? I think Jesus sets the standard here, but also points to the fact that we cannot be perfect-but he can and was. My hope and trust is not in my ability to do good, but in Jesus' ability to be perfect. I trust in him not myself.
Dear Jesus, help to me to trust you today and help me become more perfect like the father. Amen.
