“The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.” – Matthew 1:22
This passage has always made me wonder. It seems there was something different about Jesus that made people stop and take notice. What was it that made him so compelling and persuasive?
Was He a man of impressive stature? Did He speak with eloquence and argue like a great orator? Was he outgoing and gregarious, a charismatic comedian?
I’m convinced He was more substance and less style. I don’t think He was excessively polished, but surely, He was pure. And just as pure gold weighs more, so too did His words. If actions speak louder than words, then the Word Made Flesh must have had a presence that thundered.
Besides having an authenticity that garnered people’s trust, Jesus must have radiated an incomparable peace and joy that attracted others to Him. But, how? In the Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete In Dominum, Blessed Pope Paul VI explains that Jesus’ confidence is the result of “the inexpressible love by which He knows that He is loved by His Father.” In the very depths of His being, Jesus is aware that the Father loves Him, and so he does not fear.
Do you know that the Father loves you in the same way? Perhaps you’ve heard that before, but do you really believe it?
If not, I urge you to spend some time in prayer, simply gazing at a crucifix. Behold the Man upon the Cross, because “God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Take note of the nails in His hands and the crown of thorns on His head. See the wound in His side, bleeding from a pierced heart.
Perhaps this, more than anything else, is the root of the authority people saw in Christ, because only someone with immense power can willingly make himself vulnerable. When they looked upon the face of Christ, they encountered a force stronger than death – selfless Love.
As followers of Christ, you and I are called to imitate Him. Therefore, let us strive to be people of integrity and purity of heart. Let us trust in the Father’s immeasurable love for us, and let us love one another in response to His love.
Lord Jesus, we adore you. Teach us to trust in the Father as you do, so that we may share in your joy. Lead us by your example of humble love to become more vulnerable, so that we may be better instruments of your grace for others. Amen.
