Gospel of Matthew, chapter 7:29

Have you ever wondered why Jesus was such a great preacher?

His words had the force of authority. To a people jaded by a plethora of babbling Scribes and Pharisees, Jesus was unique. Whereas the clergy got bogged down in useless details, Jesus quoted God, His Father. In fact, He recounted verses from twenty-two of the thirty-nine Old Testament books. He named twenty different Old Testament people. He spoke on forty biblical themes. The scriptures were His authority. He used them well and they pierced the minds of His listeners deeply. “The people were amazed at His teaching.” (Mark 1:22).

Jesus identified with His audience and spoke their language. Whether farmers, tax collectors, harlots or fishermen, He spoke in a manner they could easily understand. His words connected, and the people couldn’t get enough of Him. They listened to Him with eagerness, and they followed Him from place to place. He spoke in parables, and related stories from ordinary people’s lives that the humblest of His listeners could understand.

His words were filled with truth and integrity. He was His own best message. He lived His words. His life of integrity removed any doubt about His authenticity. His absence of sin made it impossible to condemn Him even though His enemies made up false stories about Him. No one was above Him; and no one was beneath Him, either. His complete humility was in harmony with His absolute authority.

No one could replicate a godly life more than the son of God himself, and His words, and example, and His miracles witnessed to His Godly authority.

Fr. Hugh Duffy

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