Show Don't Tell: Matthew 7:28-29

Instead of saying "The crowds were amazed at Jesus' teaching," feel the murmur spread. "When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law." The teachers of the law quoted rabbis, cited precedents, built chains of tradition. "Rabbi Hillel says... Rabbi Shammai disagrees..." But Jesus? "You have heard that it was said... But I tell you." No citations. No appeals to authority beyond himself. He spoke as if he had the right to interpret, clarify, even supersede Moses. The crowds felt it in their bones—something different here, something direct from the source.