Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

HEARING THE AUTHORITY

There is a book called the MISHNAH. It is a collection of rabbinical schools of thought on various aspects of the Mosaic Law, and considered second only to the TORAH (first five books of the Bible: LAW) in holy esteem. There were, in fact, several rabbinical schools interpreting the Law, and many of their interpretations were contradictory. If a poor Hebrew wanted to know what some statement of the Law meant and/or how it was to be applied, he would seek a rabbi for information. Such a rabbi most probably would say, “Well, according to the school of Hillel, it means thus and so.” He would go on to say, “But according to the school of Shlomoh, it means this. On the other hand, according to the school of Yitsach, it means this and this, under certain conditions.” So, the poor man would go away scratching his head, no more enabled to solve the problem than before the consultation. The folks in Jesus’ day were all too acquainted with this procedure.

Then in the fullness of time, Jesus appeared on the scene, preaching that they should repent for the kingdom of heaven was at hand. As He engaged His disciples in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew Chapters five through seven, He often said, “Ye have heard that it hath been said of them of old time….. But I say unto you…..” As he laid out the contrast between Law and the system of grace, He spoke forcefully and adamantly. Therefore, it is of little wonder that at the end of that sermon, it is written, “. . . the people were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” Matt. 7:28, 29. THEY WERE HEARING THE AUTHORITY OF HEAVEN AND EARTH!

The apostle John reports, “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” John 1:3. The God of heaven and earth was resident in the man Jesus. He is the Creator, and nothing exists that He did not create. As Creator and Lord of heaven and earth, He is also Lord of time and eternity and the beginning of all things as well as the end. What He had to say to the Jewish people shocked and amazed them. Many believed Him and rejoiced. Others did not. But, there is one thing they could not deny: they were hearing the Authority!

Centuries have turned into millenniums since that sermon was preached near the Sea of Galilee. The things He said are still just as true today as they were back then. Moreover, those things still shock those who take the time to listen. Those who believe find joy, peace, and life. Those who do not believe Him stumble on in a darkened world in which little if anything makes sense. “There are too many religions,” they say. “So many things that churches say contradict one another, as do the Law interpretations of the MISHNAH. What are we to believe?” The answer is simple. Hear the Authority! Believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him! Heb. 11:6. He is the Creator. Why would anyone look elsewhere?

FOR THOUGHT: Strangely, people demand written proof and documented evidence on countless subjects of law, business, and life events in general. Why are they content, then, to believe things purported to be of eternal value without checking them out with the Word? What do you believe? Why? Do you spend a little time each week reading the Bible? Why not?