Early in his ministry, Jesus traveled extensively in the region of Galilee proclaiming the coming of the kingdom of God. He quickly grew a reputation for his powerful teaching and miraculous works. In fact, people traveled from great distances to hear him speak or to seek healing. One of the most well-known public addresses made by Jesus during this time was the so-called Sermon on Mount, the first of five major discourses contained in Matthew’s Gospel (see Matthew 5-7). Throughout this address, Jesus makes several appeals to Jewish traditions and Old Testament laws and reflected on what he regarded as the true intent or underlying principles of these commands. Readers will quickly notice how Jesus speaks with a sense of authority that is altogether unique. Rather than appealing to other rabbis or authoritative figures, Jesus taught as though his words alone are sufficient. To cite but one example, Jesus concludes his sermon with the statement that “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock (Matt 7:24-25; NRSV).”
As we consider Jesus’ address, we are reminded of how his words reinforce one of the more dominant themes in Matthew’s Gospel. Writing to primarily a Jewish audience, Matthew emphasizes that Jesus was no failed prophet or revolutionary, but was the rightful king of Israel, the long-awaited Messiah. In order to demonstrate this, Matthew reveals how Jesus was superior in many ways to various Old Testament institutions and figures. Even Moses, as important as he was in Jewish history, lacked the authority of Jesus. While Moses faithfully proclaimed that which was revealed to him by God, Jesus spoke with divine authority. In fact, many of Jesus’ statements in his address begin with the words, “you have heard that it was said, but I say to you.” This is a powerful way of emphasizing that his words bore intrinsic authority and could stand on their own.
When you reflect upon Jesus’ words in this sermon, what do you believe it reveals about the person and work of Jesus? Do you regard his instruction as relevant for your life today? If so, to what degree have you constructed your “house” on rock?
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