Matthew 7:28-29 ESV And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.
Audiences knew there was a difference when Jesus taught. He did not just teach with superior knowledge and training, He taught with authority. Authority is the right to direct or control someone or something (Webster). These two verses are the perfect segue into chapter eight because Jesus not only taught with authority, He lived with authority.
In chapter eight, Jesus will exert His authority over physical illnesses and disabilities, over nature, and over spirits. When a leper came to Him, Jesus had the authority to command the disease to leave. During a storm at sea Jesus gave orders to the raging elements. He confronted demons who recognized His authority over them and begged Him for mercy.
Jesus still has the same authority today. Whatever we are facing, Jesus has authority over it. Whether it is illness, disability, circumstances, spiritual attack, or a combination, Jesus is in control. We do not need to live in fear because nothing can happen to us that is outside of God’s authority.
Some people misuse this truth to teach that since God is always in control that Christians should live charmed lives full of nothing but health and wealth. Perhaps that was true on the Garden of Eden, but once sin was introduced into the world it brought death, decay, and suffering with it.
God, in His mercy and grace, does mitigate the consequences of sin. God does heal, and He does work miracles, but not always, and not at our command or on our schedule. Often, He gives us the strength to overcome a situation or illness rather than take it away.
The comfort we can hold to is that since Jesus always has authority in every situation, we can be certain that God’s plan will always be accomplished. Every promise and prophecy in the Bible will be fulfilled. If God has given you a task, it will be achieved if you remain faithful. Nothing can stand against God or thwart His plan.
Heavenly Father, I thank You that I can rest assured because You are in control. I need to obey and follow Your guidance, but I know what you have decided, You will bring to pass.