Page 115 - A Dissertation for Doctor of Philosophy

observes that “Jesus’ tone of authority in its impassioned tenseness carried his message beyond

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the ceremonials of worship into the inner life.”

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Jesus employed the note of authority in his preaching in several ways. First, he disclosed the
origin of his words. He said, “My teaching is not mine. It came from him who sent me” (John

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7:16). Out of profound conviction, he iterated the eternal nature of his words. Secondly, he
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pronounced his words as they had “a note of finality to them.” In the scope of his authoritative

utterance, Jesus did not need to debate or apologize. In this authoritative sense, Jesus frequently

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designated the utterances as “my word(s).”

Third, Jesus often used the “I” formula. “I tell you the truth,” “Truly I say to you,” and “I am”

are Jesus’ patent expression. Neusner, a Jewish scholar, admits Jesus’ authority and usage of “I”

sayings, saying, “None prophesied as an independent authority. None left a category of ‘I’

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sayings, for none had the prestige to do so.”
Lastly, Jesus frequently admonished his audience by employing imperative mood in his

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preaching. When Jesus ordered, the note of authority impelled attention and people respond

40 Bond, The Master Preacher, 202.

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For an encyclopedic reference of Jesus’ authoritative utterance, see Roy B. Zuck,
Teaching as Jesus Taught (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1995), 50-59.

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Matt. 24:35 says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
See also Mark 13:31, Luke 21:33.

43 Zuck, Teaching, 54.

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Ibid. Zuck supplies composite reference to Jesus’ “my word(s).”
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Neusner, Development of a Legend, 190

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Zuck, Teaching, 331-342. He lists all 481 commands of Jesus appeared in the Gospels.