When the crowds heard thisThe context of this passage is Jesus' interaction with the Sadducees, a Jewish sect that denied the resurrection. The "this" refers to Jesus' response to their challenge about the resurrection, using the example of God being the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, implying that God is the God of the living. The crowds, likely composed of various Jewish groups and individuals gathered in Jerusalem, were attentive to Jesus' teachings, which often challenged the prevailing religious authorities and interpretations of the Law.
they were astonished
The reaction of astonishment indicates that Jesus' teaching was both unexpected and profound. His ability to refute the Sadducees' argument with authority and scriptural insight left the audience in awe. This astonishment is a recurring theme in the Gospels, as Jesus often taught with authority that surpassed that of the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 7:28-29). His teachings often revealed deeper truths about God's kingdom, challenging existing beliefs and traditions.
at His teaching
Jesus' teaching here not only addressed the immediate question of the resurrection but also revealed deeper theological truths about life, death, and the nature of God. His teachings were rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures, yet they brought new understanding and clarity. This particular teaching emphasized the reality of the resurrection, a concept that was a point of contention among Jewish sects, as the Pharisees believed in it, while the Sadducees did not. Jesus' ability to use Scripture to affirm the resurrection would have been particularly impactful, as it aligned with the Pharisaic belief and challenged the Sadducean denial.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, whose teachings astonish the crowds. He is the Son of God and the Messiah, whose wisdom and authority are evident in His interactions with the religious leaders.
2.
The CrowdsThe people who were present and listening to Jesus' teachings. They represent the general populace who were often amazed by Jesus' wisdom and authority.
3.
The SadduceesAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, they are the religious group Jesus was addressing in the preceding verses. They were a sect known for their denial of the resurrection, which Jesus refutes with His teaching.
4.
The TempleThe setting for this event, as Jesus was teaching in the temple courts in Jerusalem during the final week of His earthly ministry.
5.
The ResurrectionThe theological concept that Jesus addresses in His teaching, which astonishes the crowd. The Sadducees' question about the resurrection leads to Jesus' profound response.
Teaching Points
The Authority of Jesus' TeachingJesus' teachings carry divine authority, which is why they astonish the crowds. As believers, we should approach His words with reverence and a willingness to be transformed.
The Importance of Sound DoctrineThe astonishment of the crowds highlights the power of truth. We must be diligent in studying Scripture to understand and uphold sound doctrine, especially concerning foundational beliefs like the resurrection.
Engaging with SkepticismJesus' interaction with the Sadducees teaches us how to engage with skepticism and disbelief. We should be prepared to give a reasoned defense of our faith, rooted in Scripture.
The Impact of Jesus' MinistryThe reaction of the crowds reminds us of the profound impact Jesus' ministry had on those who heard Him. We are called to share His teachings with others, trusting in their transformative power.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 22:33?
2.How does Matthew 22:33 demonstrate Jesus' authority and wisdom to the crowds?
3.What can we learn from the crowd's reaction in Matthew 22:33?
4.How does Matthew 22:33 connect with other instances of Jesus' teaching authority?
5.How should Jesus' authority in Matthew 22:33 influence our daily decision-making?
6.In what ways can we share Jesus' teachings with others, inspired by Matthew 22:33?
7.What does Matthew 22:33 reveal about Jesus' authority and teaching style?
8.How does Matthew 22:33 challenge the religious leaders' understanding of resurrection?
9.Why were the crowds astonished at Jesus' teaching in Matthew 22:33?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 22?
11.What led to Jesus's crucifixion?
12.If Jesus performed public miracles, why do contemporary Roman and Jewish sources fail to mention them?
13.Why are you a brood of vipers?
14.How can I recognize my perfect spouse?What Does Matthew 22:33 Mean
When the crowds heard this• The “this” is Jesus’ reply to the Sadducees who denied the resurrection (Matthew 22:23-32).
• He silenced a religious faction by rooting His answer in Exodus: “He is not the God of the dead but of the living” (Matthew 22:32).
• The listening crowd—ordinary people, disciples, onlookers—personally heard Scripture applied with power. Compare how people “were amazed at His answers and fell silent” (Luke 20:26).
• The account underscores that Scripture, spoken plainly, carries inherent authority (Isaiah 55:11;Hebrews 4:12).
They were astonished• “Astonished” marks more than mild surprise; it is a stunned recognition that something divine has broken through.
• Similar reactions follow other teachings:
– After the Sermon on the Mount “the crowds were astonished at His teaching” (Matthew 7:28-29).
– When He stilled the storm the disciples “were astonished” (Mark 4:41).
• Their astonishment reveals the gulf between human tradition and God-breathed truth (Isaiah 29:13-14;1 Corinthians 2:4-5).
At His teaching• Jesus teaches with unquestioned authority because He is the incarnate Word (John 1:14) and the promised Prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:18;Acts 3:22-23).
• Key features of His teaching on this occasion:
– Scripture-centered: He citesExodus 3 to prove resurrection.
– Logical and concise: One verse settles the debate.
– Hope-filled: Affirms life after death for Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all who trust God (John 11:25-26).
• The crowd senses what officers later confessed: “No one ever spoke like this man!” (John 7:46).
• His teaching still astonishes believers today, grounding faith in the literal truthfulness of God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16;Psalm 119:160).
summaryMatthew 22:33 shows a crowd stunned into wonder by Christ’s Scripture-anchored answer to skeptics. Hearing truth proclaimed with divine authority, they recognize the living power of God’s Word and the hope of resurrection He guarantees.
(33) They were astonished at his doctrine.--Better,
teaching. The wonder was apparently caused by the way in which the truth of the popular creed had been proved from words which seemed to the careless reader to be altogether remote from it. It was the mode of teaching rather than the doctrine taught that astonished them. The other Gospels (
Mark 12:28,
Luke 20:39) record the admiration of agreement ("Master, Thou hast well spoken") as well as astonishment. The better section of the Pharisees rejoiced to hear their opponents refuted with what seemed to them a greater dexterity than that of their ablest scribes.
Verse 33. -
They were astonished at his doctrine. The multitudes were amazed, not only at an interpretation which was entirely new to them, and which opened to them some of the depths of that Scripture of which they had been taught and knew only the letter; but because Christ showed that he looked into men's hearts, saw what was the motive and cause of their opinions, and, in explaining difficulties, unfolded eternal truths. The Sadducees, thus answered in the presence of the listening crowds, attempted no reply, slunk away confounded, utterly foiled in their hope of casting ridicule on the teaching of Christ. St. Luke notes that some scribes present, doubtless of the Pharisaic faction, were highly delighted with this public defeat of their adversaries, and cried, in enforced admiration, "Master, thou hast well said!"
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
WhenΚαὶ(Kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.theοἱ(hoi)Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.crowdsὄχλοι(ochloi)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3793:From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.heard [this],ἀκούσαντες(akousantes)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 191:To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.they were astonishedἐξεπλήσσοντο(exeplēssonto)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1605:To strike with panic or shock; I amaze, astonish. From ek and plesso; to strike with astonishment.atἐπὶ(epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.Hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.teaching.διδαχῇ(didachē)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1322:Teaching, doctrine, what is taught. From didasko; instruction.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 22:33 When the multitudes heard it they were (Matt. Mat Mt) 
