Greetings in the name above all names, our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us reflect together on His words. In the book of Matthew 7:28–29, we read: “When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.” These verses reveal that the teachings of Jesus were vastly different from what people of that time expected—and even from what many people expect today. Scripture says the crowds were “greatly astonished” because He spoke with authority, unlike the scribes. What does it mean that Jesus taught “with authority”? A person with authority speaks decisively, without twisting words or sugarcoating the truth. For example, when a president gives an order—“This project must be completed in two weeks”—there’s no room for negotiation. His command carries weight, and those under him must comply. Similarly, Jesus did not come to speak in uncertain terms. He spoke plainly, directly, and truthfully. In the surrounding verses of Matthew 5–7 (the Sermon on the Mount), Jesus contrasted His teaching with that of the scribes and Pharisees, who mostly focused on Jewish traditions, appeasing people rather than pointing them to wholehearted devotion to God or warning them of the consequences of sin. “You have heard that it was said… but I tell you” Throughout His ministry, Jesus asserted His divine authority: Matthew 5:29: “If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.”The scribes would never dare speak like this. Jesus was willing to call people to radical sacrifice—abandoning sinful habits, ungodly relationships, or anything that hinders eternal life. Luke 14:27: “Whoever does not carry their cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple.”He demanded complete allegiance, even above family ties (Matthew 10:37). Matthew 7:21–23: Many will claim, “Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name and drive out demons?” Yet He will reply, “I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!” Matthew 7:13–14: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” These are uncompromising words, highlighting the eternal consequences of disobedience and the urgency of repentance. Jesus Still Speaks With Authority Today Jesus Christ is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). His words remain authoritative. Yet many today misinterpret His direct teaching as judgmental or harsh. People prefer soft, comforting words—messages like, “Jesus loves you, just be a good person and you’ll be fine.” This was the approach of the scribes: avoiding hard truths for fear of losing their followers. They would not warn people about sin, judgment, or the urgency of living a holy life. They hesitated to speak of the end times, fearing they might scare listeners away. But Jesus, because He truly loves us, corrects and rebukes us when necessary: Revelation 3:19: “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.” True love speaks truth, even when it stings. If you always hear only pleasant, easy messages, beware—you might not be hearing from Christ but from teachers who resemble the scribes. Identifying True Teaching The real Gospel confronts sin, calls for repentance, and prepares us for eternity. Jesus never flattered His listeners. He spoke with authority because He came to save us from sin’s destruction, not to make us comfortable in it. Maranatha – the Lord is coming soon! Please share this message with others. Contact for prayers, service schedules, counseling, or questions:+255693036618 / +255789001312 You can also receive these teachings via WhatsApp or email by messaging the same numbers. Key Takeaway “Soft-worded gospel will cost you everything.” True love warns of danger and points to the narrow road leading to life (John 14:6).
God has often used this word to illustrate the kind of destruction that comes as judgment upon those who do not fear Him. Here are some of the Bible passages where the word Desolate (ruins) is used: Leviticus 26:30–32 (NIV) I will destroy your high places, cut down your incense altars and pile your dead bodies on the lifeless forms of your idols, and I will abhor you.I will turn your cities into ruins and lay waste your sanctuaries, and I will take no delight in the pleasing aroma of your offerings.I myself will lay waste the land, so that your enemies who live there will be appalled. Ezekiel 6:14 (NIV) And I will stretch out my hand against them and make the land a desolate waste from the desert to Diblah—wherever they live. Then they will know that I am the Lord. Jeremiah 51:42–43 (NIV) The sea will rise over Babylon; its roaring waves will cover her.Her towns will be desolate, a dry and desert land, a land where no one lives, through which no one travels. Jeremiah 4:7–8 (NIV) A lion has come out of his lair; a destroyer of nations has set out. He has left his place to lay waste your land. Your towns will lie in ruins without inhabitant.So put on sackcloth, lament and wail, for the fierce anger of the Lord has not turned away from us. (See also Ezekiel 12:20; Ezekiel 29:12; Amos 9:14) Even today, this world will one day be reduced to Desolate (ruins). No matter how advanced civilization becomes, or how beautiful cities are built, everything will one day be destroyed. The Lord Jesus Himself said that not one stone would be left on another (Matthew 24:2). Everything we see today will be dismantled and consumed by fire when the Day of the Lord comes—just as the flood in Noah’s time cleansed the first world. 2 Peter 3:10–12 (NIV) But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly livesas you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. The important question for us is this: Where are you and I investing our lives? Is it in this temporary world, or in heaven? Remember, life on earth is short and fleeting, but eternal life awaits us beyond this world. God’s plan to turn this world into ruins is not because creation itself is bad, but because humanity has corrupted it through sin. Therefore, it must be destroyed and renewed. That is why we must not share in God’s wrath. Instead, we must embrace the salvation offered through Christ. Remember—the Rapture is near. We should not be surprised if these things begin to unfold even in our own generation. Shalom.
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the only true God, who came down in human flesh to redeem us (John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16). There are certain things Jesus did during His earthly ministry that may seem unexpected to us. While it’s true that He came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10), He did not make salvation superficial or automatic. He made it available, but He also made it clear that the path is narrow and must be sought with sincerity (Matthew 7:13–14). Jesus Didn’t Reveal Truths to Everyone Equally Unlike what many assume today, Jesus wasn’t impressed by crowds. A large number of people followed Him wherever He went—some seeking healing, others out of curiosity, and some for miracles. But Jesus didn’t equate popularity with genuine discipleship. He didn’t reveal the deep truths of God’s kingdom to just anyone in the crowd. Instead, He often taught in parables—simple stories that contained deeper spiritual meaning. These weren’t meant to entertain but to filter. They required spiritual hunger and humility to understand. Without that, a person might hear the story, enjoy it, and leave unchanged. “And when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parables. And He said to them, ‘To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables, so that “‘they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven.’”—Mark 4:10–12 (ESV) Jesus quoted from Isaiah 6:9–10 to show that many people’s hearts were hardened—they could hear His words but remain blind to their true meaning because they lacked repentance. Salvation Requires a Sincere Heart Jesus doesn’t just save people who listen; He saves those who earnestly seek Him and truly want to understand and obey Him. “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”—Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV) This is why Jesus often spoke indirectly. His goal was not just to inform but to transform—and only those who truly desired to know Him would take the time to ask questions and seek deeper meaning. This explains why, after teaching the crowd in parables, He would later explain their meaning privately to His disciples (Matthew 13:10–11). Many Followed Jesus for the Wrong Reasons In Jesus’ day, many who followed Him were merely observers. Some came for miracles (John 6:26), others out of curiosity or skepticism, and others were even spies (Luke 20:20). Few actually followed Him to know Him and receive the truth that leads to eternal life (John 17:3). Today, the same problem exists. Churches are full, and many claim to seek God. But unless a person is personally committed to following Jesus—learning from Him, obeying His Word, and surrendering their life—salvation will remain a concept, not a reality. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”—Matthew 7:21 (ESV) Why Salvation Feels Powerless for Some People Some people claim to be saved but continue to live in bondage to sin—sexual immorality, drunkenness, pride, and ignorance of God’s will. They may have attended church for years but still don’t know God’s redemptive plan, such as the Rapture, or even recognize that we are living in the final church age—the church of Laodicea (Revelation 3:14–22). They might say, “I know Jesus,” but the evidence is missing from their lives. Even in Jesus’ day, people saw Him, heard Him, and ate with Him—but very few understood His true identity or mission. Only those who sought Him personally had the truths of the kingdom revealed to them (John 6:66–69). Jesus Is Calling for Real Discipleship Jesus is still seeking true disciples—not casual listeners or spiritual consumers. He calls each of us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him wholeheartedly: “Then Jesus told His disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?’”—Matthew 16:24–26 (ESV) If we are not serious about following Christ, then, like the crowds, we will hear His words only as parables—interesting but confusing stories with no personal impact. Let this be a time of awakening. Let us not remain lukewarm (Revelation 3:15–16). Let us seek Jesus personally, diligently, and with all our hearts. That is how we will receive the true salvation He offers. Maranatha—The Lord is coming. Please share this message with others.For prayer, fellowship, or spiritual counseling, contact:📞 +255693036618 or +255789001312 Would you like this formatted into a printable or shareable document?