Luke 19:47-48 (ESV) -- And he was teaching daily in the temple. The chief priests and the scribes and the principal men of the people were seeking to destroy him, but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were hanging on his words.

Have you ever sat and listened to someone, transfixed on what they were saying? I love to learn, so I find myself like this while listening to podcasts, YouTube videos, or sermons. I have a hunger for knowledge and learning. Not everyone’s words capture my attention and focus. Some are not compelling. Some are not lined up with the truth. But there are times when some speakers snatch my attention in such a way that even when I disagree I want to listen. 

Our passage today shows us how Jesus had this ability. He spoke with an authority that people in Israel had never experienced. Even His enemies were in awe of His words. Luke records for us, “And he was teaching daily in the temple. The chief priests and the scribes and the principal men of the people were seeking to destroy him, but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were hanging on his words.”

Jesus taught in the temple while in Jerusalem. While in Galilee He taught in the synagogues. He was a teacher. As Jesus taught, the people were hanging on His words. He opened the Scriptures and explained them to people. He spoke about the kingdom of God in parables, stories, and analogies. The people flocked to hear Him speak.

This idea of hanging on His words is one we should have that describes us. Christians should be known as people who hang on God’s words. This can be lived out daily by reading the Bible. It happens as we meditate on Scripture. And it certainly happens as we obey God’s Word. To hang on His words is to cherish what God thinks and orient our lives completely on those words. Our culture doesn’t hang on Jesus’ Words. They don’t listen to what God has to say. Believers must be different.

Reflection & Journal: 
- Why did the people hang on Jesus’ words? What do you think drew people to Him?
- What are some practical ways Christians can hang on His words today? 
- What type of fruit or evidence should emerge in the life of someone who hangs on Jesus’ words?

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