We all say many words, probably too many. But which of all those words will really make a difference? When Jesus spoke, people always took notice. His teaching was memorable because it was more than words; people recognised it as being true; and that the listener was accountable for his or her response. Although Jesus had been primarily explaining the principles of His kingdom to His disciples, the crowds who clustered around them had never heard anything like it. It was as though God was speaking to them. He was!

Authority is different to power. Power is an ability to make something happen, or to make other people do what you want. On the other hand, authority is the right to make something happen and to encourage others to respond to what is true. The word 'author' comes from the same root: an author has the right to say what should happen to what he or she has created (we call it the author's 'copyright' or the inventor's 'patent').

Jesus is described as the 'Author of life' (Acts 3:15) because He is the life-giver; and the 'Author of salvation' (Hebrews 2:10) because He invented it. He is also the 'Author of our faith' (Hebrews 12:2). He is the authority behind all life on this earth, and eternal life and faith in God. That is why His words have His personality stamped on them. That was remarkably different from the religious teachers who copied God's words, but could not keep them: they had no internal integrity.

One reason that some people do not want to read what Jesus said, is in case they find the truth inescapable. And ultimately, it is! Everybody who seeks the truth will only find it in Jesus, because He is the truth (John 14:6). What He says, is the same as who He is. He said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32). Although we may have very busy days and be involved with many activities, our priority should be to take Jesus much more seriously if we are to live true to the truth. Short-term, life will not make sense without Him, and long-term, we are accountable to him. So, now that we are at the end of this Sermon on the Mount, why not read again one of Jesus' sayings, and meditate on it, asking Him to make clear what He wants you to do.