“When Jesus completed his Sermon on the Mount, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, because he taught with real authority, and not like their teachers of law.”
Matthew 7:28-29
Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:
- This passage, often called “The Authority of Jesus,” from the Gospel Writer called Matthew, concludes the text of the “The Sermon on the Mount.” It contrasts the way Jesus expresses his unique God-given authority and the way other religious leaders do.
- Jesus speaks from his inner knowing (intuition), the essence of God within him, while these teachers reiterate traditional knowledge. Thus, his listeners hear a message of spiritual reformation, an alternative way of being his 1st century followers—and you—can use for living peacefully and abundantly in a sometimes chaotic, confusing world. Thus, Jesus is modeling how to have authority over yourself and your life.
- Jesus is a mystic, master teacher, healer, and wayshower for multitudes because he is a fully embodied, grounded spirit radiating his absolute divinity. Everything he does is God-guided and God-directed. He knows his oneness with God (Higher Power, Supreme Being, etc.), not that he is God. He doesn’t advertise himself as the world’s greatest guru or motivational speaker. He doesn’t require that anyone bow down or pledge undying loyalty. He knows both the letter of the law and the heart of ancient wisdom, so he encourages people to access their own God-given authority.
- Your thinking nature is wonderful when you need to analyze facts, get context, or verify figures. But it isn’t complete wisdom, which combines applied knowledge, experience, self-awareness, and intuition. Judith Orloff, intuitive psychiatrist and prolific author, teaches that intuition is neutral, with little emotion. It often flows in subtle, quick, and quiet ways, while your linear mind can be heavy, slow, and noisy. Intuition provides space, so you can stay open and observant.
- Demonstration is your evidence of how well your life works. You don’t gain more wisdom by pledging allegiance to particular gurus. You access more wisdom by intentionally and gently tuning into yourself. So, if you affirm something like, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears,” you’re really abdicating responsibility for yourself and just going along for the ride.
Contemplation Questions for Reflection:
Ask yourself:
- To what or whom am I asked to pledge undying loyalty (sell my soul)?
- List, word map, or illustrate as much as applies.
- In what, if any, ways am I doubting myself?
- List, word map, or illustrate the ways.
- What does my intuition say is best for me?
- List, word map, or illustrate as much as you can. Let your information be revealed gently, even if it’s only one (1) word or image.
- What are at least three (3) ways I can engage my wisdom now?
- List, word map, or illustrate as much as you imagine.
As you use this devotional, remember that you’re a divine spiritual being with a radiant soul, living in a sacred body temple, having human experiences. Be wary of anyone who proclaims themselves as an infallible guru and the only one who can dispense the wisdom you need.
Be your own authority on what’s best for you. You don’t need anyone’s approval or thousands of opinions to know what you know. Tune into yourself and listen. All your answers are being revealed to you and through you. Trust them and yourself as you travel with ease and grace.
© 2024 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.
Photo from Shutterstock by Nitikran Photographer.
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