Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 7:28

"And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these words, the multitudes were astonished at his teaching:" — Matthew 7:28 (ASV)

This is the first of the five formulaic conclusions that terminate the discourses in this gospel (13:53; 19:1; 26:1). Matthew’s formula is therefore a self-conscious stylistic device that establishes a structural turning point. In each case the conclusion prepares for the next section. Here mention of Jesus’ authority leads into his authority in other spheres such as powerful and liberating miracles (8:1–17).

The crowds—probably a larger group than his disciples—are again pressing in on him ; they are amazed at both the content and the manner of his teaching, but such astonishment says nothing about their own commitment. Its cause is Jesus’ “authority.” In his authority Jesus differs from the “teachers of the law” (see comment on Mk 1:22).

The central point is this: Jesus’ entire approach in the Sermon on the Mount is not only ethical but messianic. He is not an ordinary prophet who says, “Thus says the Lord!” Rather, he speaks in the first person and claims that his teaching fulfills the OT; that he determines who enters the messianic kingdom; that as the Divine Judge he pronounces banishment; that the true heirs of the kingdom will be persecuted for their allegiance to him; and that he alone fully knows the will of his Father.