Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Amazed and Astonished

I've been amazed and astonished how frequently these words are used in the Gospels.

When was the last time you had a jaw-dropping, breath-taking, eye-popping view of Jesus as you read through Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John?

I'd encourage you to look these verses up, read them in their proper context, and marvel at the most amazing, astonishing Person Who ever lived!  Then ask yourself, "Do I really know this Jesus of the Scriptures"?

And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching…  Matt. 7:28

…and coming to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works?"  Matt. 13:54

And all the people were amazed, and said, “Can this be the Son of David?”  Matt. 12:23

When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”  Matt. 19:25

When the disciples saw it, they were amazed, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?”  Matt. 21:20

When they heard it, they were amazed. And they left him and went away.  Matt. 22:22

And when the crowd heard it, they were astonished at his teaching.  Matt. 22:33

But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.  Matt. 27:14

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

And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this?  A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.”  Mark 1:27

And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”  Mark 2:12

And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands?  Mark 6:2

And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”  Mark 7:37

And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him.  Mark 9:15

And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God!  Mark 10:24

And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?”  Mark 10:26

And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him… Mark 10:32

And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching.  Mark 11:18

But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.  Mark 15:5

And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.  Luke 2:47

And when his parents saw him, they were astonished.  And his mother said to him, Son, why have you treated us so?  Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.  And he said to them, Why were you looking for me?  Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?  Luke 2:48-49

…and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. Luke 4:32

And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!”  Luke 4:36

For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken  Luke 5:9

And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened. Luke 8:56

And all were astonished at the majesty of God.  Luke 9:43

Moreover, some women of our company amazed us.  They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body… Luke 24:22-23