And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. – Mark 1:22

Jesus’ first appearance – in Mark’s gospel – at a synagogue left the people “astonished.” The Greek reads more literally, “they were struck out of their minds”; in other words, Jesus’ preaching “blew their minds.” Why? Because “he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.” To understand the fullness of the astonishing contrast you need to understand the 1st century scribes and their teaching. They were the original carriers of a PhD in Scripture who were charged with studying and teaching the Torah. When they stood up to teach, an audience would hear continuous appeals to rabbinic fathers, sounding something like, “Rabbi so-and-so says such-and-such about this passage.”

In stark contrast to the scribes’ appealed authority, Jesus teaches with assumed authority. He teaches, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart (Matt. 5:27-28, emphasis added). Our Lord doesn’t need rabbinic commentary in order to preach with authority, His authority in His identity as the Word incarnate.

Consider the application to modern preaching. If you are a preacher, from whence comes your authority? I remember sitting next to Tony Reinke in the airport after T4G 2010 as he commented on Piper’s preaching at the conference. He said something I’ve yet to forget, “Notice how Piper rarely quotes from commentators, theologians, and books in his preaching. And then think about the authority His preaching carries.” Bam! Authoritative preaching is preaching grounded in the authority of God’s word – the incarnate word and written word.

Let’s ask again, “from whence comes your authority?” Consider how repetitive quotations from theologians or commentators can be appeals to an academic authority. Consider how repetitive illustrations and cultural references can be appeals to worldly authority. Consider how repetitive gesturing and shouting can be appeals to physical authority. By no means should we avoid all quotations, illustrations, and gestures. I would, in fact, argue that all are vital for clear preaching to contemporary congregations. However, there is something to be said for preaching so grounded by, rooted in, and saturated by Scripture that your audience understands the genesis for your authority – God’s word.

Here’s to preaching with authority that blows minds.