Matthew 7:28
And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching.
Reflection: Astonished by the Word, Part 1
Written By: Pastor Jesse Caro
I recently was reading The Westminster Theological Journal, (Spring 2023) a periodical printed by Westminster Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania. I was struck by one of the many articles. The article that jumped out to me was titled “The Homiletic Design of the Sermon on the Mount.” In the event you don’t know, “homiletics” involves “the art of preaching and writing sermons.” I take an interest (you might have guessed) in preparing and preaching sermons. Furthermore, I have spent twenty years studying, reading books on, and meditating on the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).
The article opened with an observation I have never considered or taken note of. Not in any way do I intend to brag, but it is a rare event that I might read something about the Sermon on the Mount that I have never considered. I was, very much, intrigued. He points out that the Greek word for “astonished” at the end of the sermon is only found in Matthew one other time (Matthew 19:25). In Luke it is used when Jesus casts out demons and heals a young boy! Astonishment!!! It makes sense as a word when used of healings, does it not? But about teaching? I submit to you that seldom do we as Christians read the Word of God with a sense of wonder and awe! Perhaps I should only speak for myself, but, at least for me, I don’t find myself astounded by the amazing truths of God’s Word. I have lost that sense of fascination with the Scriptures... perhaps because I have grown accustomed to it. That probably isn’t good! If you are like me, I encourage you to ask the Lord to renew in you the awe and wonder of the truths of the Word so that you are ever in a state of astonishment at the wondrous works of God on our behalf!
Prayer
Lord, may we be struck afresh with the awe and wonder of the truths of your Word. May it never grow stale and become mundane.