1. The Qualities of Divine Authority

2. Introduction  Matthew 5-9 shows the pattern Jesus followed in His teaching  This section shows that the miracles were tools of confirmation  While confirming His authority Jesus shows the necessary qualities of authority

3. Authorized to Fulfill the Law Demonstrated through Compassion  Everything Jesus did was authorized by the Law  “I did not come to abolish but to fulfill” (Matt 5:17)  He taught a righteousness different from the Pharisees  Did He have the right to do so?

4. Authorized to Fulfill the Law Demonstrated through Compassion  The healing of the Leper demonstrated both the principle and the authority behind this “new” righteousness  Leprosy was as much a social disease as it was a physical disease  Lepers were not even to be touched

5. Authorized to Fulfill the Law Demonstrated through Compassion  “Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him”  Compassion and mercy was the component missing from the Pharisee's righteousness

6. Authorized to Extend Mercy Demonstrated through Submission  The Centurion as the prime example of an “enemy” in need  Could God’s grace reach outside of the Jewish community?  While the theme of mercy is present, the encounter with the Centurion emphasizes the value of humility and submission

7. Authorized to Extend Mercy Demonstrated through Submission  Jesus response to the Centurion demonstrates the type of person to whom God shows mercy  Recognized his own lack of self worth  Recognized the value of others  Demonstrated faith in the Christ

8. Authorized to Extend Mercy Demonstrated through Submission  The centurion understood the first principle of authority – to lead you must first learn to follow  “I am also a man under authority”  “I must be about My Father’s business”  “…this command I have received from My Father”

9. Authorized to Extend Mercy Demonstrated through Submission  True faith understands authority  “I have not found such great faith…”  What does this say about those who would separate faith and authority?

10. Authorized to Store Up Treasure in Heaven Demonstrated through Selflessness  Selfishness and covetousness were trademarks of Jewish society  This attitude effected the relationship between the leadership and the common man  Again Jesus advocates a different approach

11. Authorized to Store Up Treasure in Heaven Demonstrated through Selflessness  In both Roman and Jewish society women were looked down upon  Jesus healed this sick woman voluntarily  “Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried”