What does Matthew 7:28 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 7:28 is the concluding verse of what is widely known as the Sermon on the Mount, which encompasses chapters 5 through 7 of the Gospel of Matthew.

The sermon is a collection of Jesus' teachings and pronouncements that cover a wide range of topics including ethics, the law, and the Kingdom of God.

In this specific verse, the response of the people to Jesus' teachings is highlighted.

They are "astonished" at his doctrine, indicating that his words had a profound impact on them, not merely because of the content but also perhaps because of his authority and manner of delivery.

The astonishment arises because Jesus’ teachings represent a significant departure from the conventional Jewish interpretations of the law.

He preaches about the spirit of the law rather than its letter, focusing on issues like mercy, purity of heart, sincerity in actions, and an internalization of God's commandments that goes far beyond mere outward compliance.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Matthew is traditionally attributed to Matthew, the tax collector and one of Jesus’ apostles.

Scholars date this Gospel to the late 1st century AD, possibly between 80 and 90 AD. At the time, Matthew was addressing a predominantly Jewish audience who were familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures and the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Jesus' teachings occur within the context of first-century Judaism, under Roman occupation.

The religious leaders of the time, who were concerned with the observance of the Torah (Law) and the oral traditions, often clashed with Jesus over interpretations of the law.

The Sermon on the Mount provides a fresh perspective on the ethical demands of the Torah, as well as Jesus' own authoritative teachings that sometimes went beyond the traditional pharisaic understanding.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse encapsulates the recognition of Jesus' unique role as a teacher and authority in matters of faith and morality.

Christian theology often emphasizes that Jesus taught with divine authority, which is acknowledged by the crowd's astonishment.

The deeper theological implication is that Jesus is not just a teacher but also a divine figure with authority that exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees.

This is consistent with Matthew's larger portrayal of Jesus as the Emmanuel, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23), and as the one who has supreme authority (Matthew 28:18).

Different theological traditions have interpreted this authority in various ways.

Protestant viewpoints might focus on the direct relationship between Jesus' words and the believer, whereas Catholic and Orthodox traditions may place the teachings of Jesus within the context of the Church's teaching authority.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of Matthew 7:28 stem from recognizing and responding to authority in teaching.

The verse invites believers to approach Jesus' teachings with openness to the transformative power of his words. It also encourages a self-reflective and sincere practice of faith that aligns with the spirit of the teachings, rather than rote observance of religious rules.

In daily life, this may translate to a continual reevaluation of moral decisions, ensuring they are not only in compliance with ethical norms but are also inspired by love, generosity, and humility as taught in the Sermon on the Mount.

Cross-References

• Matthew 22:33: "And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine."
• Mark 1:22: "And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes."
• Luke 4:32: "And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power."

Language Study

Key words from this verse in the original Greek include:

• "εγένετο" (egeneto): often translated as "it came to pass" or "happened," indicating a narrative transition.
• "ἐτελέσεν" (etelesen): this word, from "τελέω" (teleō), means to bring to an end or complete, signifying that Jesus finished delivering his address.
• "εθαύμαζον" (ethaumazon): from "θαυμάζω" (thaumazō), means "they were astonished" or "amazed," reflecting the reaction of the people.

The term "doctrine" (Greek "διδαχὴν" [didachēn]) refers to teaching or instruction, emphasizing the content of what Jesus had been teaching in the preceding passages.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this with other ancient myths and religions, it's worthwhile to note that many traditions feature a sage or divine figure who offers transformative wisdom.

However, Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount are distinctive because they offer a radical reinterpretation of Jewish law and propose an ethical system based on internal virtues rather than external compliance alone.

Scientific Perspectives

While Matthew 7:28 doesn't directly engage with scientific ideas, modern psychology can provide insights into the audience's astonished reaction.

From a psychological standpoint, the people's astonishment could be viewed as a response to cognitive dissonance, where Jesus' new teachings challenged their pre-existing beliefs, causing a powerful emotional and cognitive reaction.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse suggest that the people’s astonishment was due to both the content and manner of Jesus' teachings. They point out that unlike the scribes, who typically cited precedents and interpretations from rabbinic tradition, Jesus taught with personal authority and radical clarity.

The Expositor's Greek Testament comments on the crowds' astonishment by indicating that the people were struck by the freshness and self-evident authority with which Jesus presented his teachings.

Such a direct and powerful approach to moral and spiritual issues was likely unexpected and invigorating to those who heard him speak.