Definition: And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Matthew 7:28. It's a really important and slightly dramatic part of Jesus’ teachings! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: Jesus was finishing a statement about how people would react to his teaching. And they were surprised! Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Matthew 7:28” : This is the verse itself – it's from the Gospel of Matthew, one of the four Gospels in the New Testament Bible. It's a key part of Jesus’ teachings about how people will respond to him. “And it came to pass…” : This phrase sets up an event - something happened. It's like saying “Suddenly, something interesting started.” “…when Jesus had ended these sayings…” : This tells us that Jesus was finishing a series of teachings or pronouncements. “the people were astonished at his doctrine:” This is the big part! "Doctrine" means beliefs, principles, and understanding – essentially what people think about something. The phrase “astonished” means surprised and amazed. The word "doctrine" in this context refers to what Jesus was saying – specifically, how he taught about following him and living a righteous life. So, what does it mean? Jesus was telling people that if they truly understood what he was teaching – the importance of loving God and each other, living righteously, and striving for goodness – then they would be deeply moved and perhaps even scared! It wasn't just a simple lesson; it was a challenge to live a life aligned with his teachings. Why is this important? This verse highlights that believers are not meant to passively accept teachings. They’re expected to actively understand them, grapple with them, and apply them in their lives. It's about more than just hearing words; it's about doing what they say. In short: Jesus was telling people that if they truly understood him, they would be incredibly surprised and possibly challenged – a sign of the profound impact his teachings would have on their lives. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Matthew 7? Give you an example of how this verse might apply in real life?