A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

JESUS TAUGHT THEM  

Matthew 5:1 “Now when Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to Him, and He began to teach them.” 

Later in the Gospel according to Matthew, Matthew wrote, “ . . . the crowds were amazed at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.” (Matthew 7:28-29) These words conclude an extensive recording by Matthew of Jesus’ teaching. Chapter five begins with Jesus’ disciples coming to Him and Matthew says the purpose for their coming was for Jesus to teach them.   

Jesus’ teaching was with an authority no one had experienced. Those who heard His teaching said of it, “ . . . “No one ever spoke like this man . . .” (John 7:46) Luke wrote in Luke 4:32 that Jesus spoke with “authority and power.” In Capernaum, Mark wrote, “. . . they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.” (Mark 1:22)  

In today’s devotional verse, Jesus devoted Himself to teaching His disciples. For over three years Jesus taught them. He prepared them to go forth into the world that they in turn would teach what He taught them and Baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:18-19) 

What Jesus taught through the words of His teaching, words that had great power and authority, the disciples then and the church throughout the ages until His return will have their power (Romans 1:16) for the salvation of sinners everywhere. 

These daily devotions are for you to read, learn and meditate upon Jesus’ message of salvation. The words your pastor proclaims each week in the worship service he speaks to you for the very same reason. Through your personal reading of Jesus’ teaching and your study with fellow believers in Bible studies, the Holy Spirit connects you to Jesus creating faith in your heart to believe in Him for your heavenly Father’s forgiveness of your sins, eternal life, and salvation. The Gospel is the power of God for your salvation. (Romans 1:16) 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, bless the words of the Holy Scriptures I hear and read that I take them to heart and be blessed by them with faith in Jesus my Savior and Lord. In His holy name. Amen. 

Lord, open now my heart to hear,
And through Your Word to me draw near;
Let me Your Word e’er pure retain;
Let me Your child and heir remain. 

Your Word inspires my heart within;
Your Word grants healing from my sin;
Your Word has pow’r to guide and bless;
Your Word brings peace and happiness. 

To God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Spirit, Three in One,
Shall glory, praise, and honor be
Now and throughout eternity.  (LSB 908)