1. Astonishment And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: (Matthew 7:28 KJV)

2. Jesus Caused Astonishment And when He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, "Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works? (Matthew 13:54 NKJV) And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, "He has done all things well. He makes both the deaf to hear and the mute to speak." (Mark 7:37 NKJV) And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. (Mark 5:42 KJV)

3. Definition of Astonishment “To Be Greatly Struck” “To strike out of one’s senses” and it often implies fear and sometimes panic. (Chumbley) Webster defines: to strike with sudden fear or wonder; astound; amaze.

4. Why Does The Teaching of Jesus Produce Astonishment? For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. (Matthew 7:29 KJV) ◦Christ spoke the words of the Sermon on the Mount with definiteness. ◦In our time, there are those reared in the haze of denominationalism and so accustomed to indefiniteness, that they are “beyond measure astonished” to hear a gospel sermon preached by one truly respecting the authority of the Lord. ◦There is to be no vagueness in our teaching and preaching and this invariably astonishes those who are not accustomed to such.  (Speaking Truth in Love, P. 46, Bobby Thompson)

5. Jesus Spoke Clearly: The same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Him and asked Him, saying: "Teacher, Moses said that if a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise up offspring for his brother. "Now there were with us seven brothers. The first died after he had married, and having no offspring, left his wife to his brother. "Likewise the second also, and the third, even to the seventh. "Last of all the woman died also. "Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had her." Jesus answered and said to them, "You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven. "But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living." And when the multitudes heard this, they were astonished at His teaching. (Matthew 22:23-33 NKJV)

6. NOTE: Religious questions demand and deserve an answer from the word of God, the wisdom of God. When ready answers are given from the Scriptures, there are those today who stand astonished! (1 Peter 3:15; 4:11; Colossians 3:17) Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, (Ephesians 4:15 RSV)

7. We Can Answer In Their Words Today: Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?" And Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:37-38 RSV) See Also 16:30-33; 22:16 Inspired men in the NT did not have to hesitate when asked by sinners what to do to be saved.

8. Do You Cry Astonishment? The One Church That Jesus Built! ◦"And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18 NKJV) ◦There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; (Ephesians 4:4 NKJV) ◦And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd. (John 10:16 RSV) Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? (Galatians 4:16 RSV)

9. Do You Cry Astonishment? Baptism for the remission of sins! ◦Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38 NKJV) ◦'And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.' (Acts 22:16 NKJV) Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? (Galatians 4:16 RSV)

10. Do You Cry Astonishment? Christ Before All! ◦"He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. "And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. (Matthew 10:37-38 NKJV) Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? (Galatians 4:16 RSV)

11. Do You Cry Astonishment? The Sin of Mechanical Music In Worship! ◦speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, (Ephesians 5:19 NKJV) ◦See Also Colossians 3:16,17 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? (Galatians 4:16 RSV)

12. Conclusion The truth is still the truth whether it astonishes you or me or anyone else. Christ astonished people with his teaching, and we shouldn’t be afraid to do so today. There is no time for compromise and the middle of the road concept when truth is involved. Remember, astonishment is not going to change the truth and it takes the truth to save! (See 1 Peter 1:22 NKJV)

13. We Must Not Forget! Any one who goes ahead and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God; he who abides in the doctrine has both the Father and the Son. If any one comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into the house or give him any greeting; for he who greets him shares his wicked work. (2 John 1:9- 11 RSV) I have applied all this to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brethren, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. (1 Corinthians 4:6 RSV) "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' (Matthew 7:23 NKJV)

14. Would Paul Be Astonished At Us? I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and turning to a different gospel- - not that there is another gospel, but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we preached to you, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:6-8 RSV)

15. Sources Article by Bobby Thompson in Speaking Truth in Love Commentary on Matthew by Kenneth Chumbley Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words