I SAY UNTO YOU

From the first word in the Book of Genesis, until the last word in the Book of Revelation, whenever a person claimed to represent and speak for God, the phrase "thus saith the Lord" was always stated or implied!  There is, of course, one exception:  Jesus!  Jesus is quoted by Matthew alone, as saying, "I say unto you," over fifty times!  And as one would expect, His Jewish audiences definitely noticed!  Following His "Sermon on the Mount" (Mt. 5-7), here is a sample of the people's reaction: 

"And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at His doctrine:  for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes" (Mt. 7:28-29).

From the time He was a twelve year old boy, religious leaders heard a unique voice in the history of Israel.  Luke recorded their response: 

"And it came to pass, that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.  And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers" (Lk. 2:46-47).


As an adult, Jesus continued to amaze Israel's leaders.  They were familiar with Jesus' childhood, and His family were known to them, as well:

"And when He was come into His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?  Is not this the carpenter's son?  Is not His mother called Mary, and His brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?  And His sisters, are they not all with us?  Whence then hath this man all these things?" (Mt. 13:54-56).

I always find it interesting that skeptics say Jesus never claimed to be God.  And yet, the New Testament calls Him the Creator (Jn. 1:1-3; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:1-2; etc.).  He said that He and the Father are one (equal), and His audience knew He was claiming to be God (Jn. 10:30-33).  He worked miracles, including transforming water into wine, He healed the sick, He raised the dead, He calmed the weather, He multiplied a small lunch into enough food for 5000 men, and had leftovers!  And if that were not enough, He repeated referred to Himself as "I AM." the Old Testament name for God (Ex. 3:14)!

His enemies were astonished, and plotted His destruction!

His friends were persuaded, and believed unto salvation!