Faith & Reason Nexus

1. Drew Reluctant Praise from His Critics
   • “Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.”
     • Luke 20:39
   • “And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom?”
     • Matthew 13:54
   • “And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?”
     • Mark 12:28
   • “And the Jews marveled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?”
     • John 7:15
2. The People were Astonished
   • “For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”
     • Matthew 7:29
   • “And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.”
     • Luke 4:32
   • “And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.”
     • Matthew 22:23
   • “And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this?”
     • Mark 1:22
3. He Silenced His Critics
   • “Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel!”
     • Matthew 23:24
   • “And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.”
     • Matthew 22:46
   • “And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marveled at his answer, and held their peace.”
     • Luke 20:26
   • “And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.”
     • Luke 20:40
4. He Held Their Attention
   • “And they were attentive unto him, because they could not find what to do, for all the people were very attentive to hear him.”
     • Luke 19:48

Christ’s teaching caused amazement, admiration, and sometimes discomfort, as His words had divine authority and power. He drew both praise and criticism, silenced His critics, and captivated the attention of those who listened.