Matthew 7:28 And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching,

This is the end of the sermon on the mount that began at Matthew 5:1.

Just as an exercise in patience, time yourself in how long it takes you to read all the words of Matthew 5, 6 and 7.

How long did it take you to read those three chapters?

Now think about those that were hearing the sermon on the mount for the first time and ask yourself earnestly if you could sit still long enough to hear anyone speak that long.

Jesus is not just anyone. He is the Christ. He is still God’s anointed, that has not changed.

Matthew 7:29 for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.

Scribes were their teachers in those days.

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Leviticus 11:45 For I am the Lord who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.

We are human beings. We are in a constant state of being human. We have this tendency to compare ourselves to other people to allow ourselves to feel good about the way we live.

No one likes to be told they are sinners.

I open this conversation with two distinct trains of thought, The first is that we all sin. The second is that God prefers us to be holy just because He is holy. There is a great gap between sin and holiness we find difficult to bridge.

Luke 3:5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough places shall become level ways,

Matthew 11:28-30 English Standard Version

²⁸ Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Isaiah 40:14 Whom did he consult, and who made him understand? Who taught him the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding?

Luke 20:21 So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God.

Jesus is righteous and His words are true, why should we listen to anyone else?