Standing thus, the center of attraction to that vast throng, Jesus addressed them as no man had ever done. His words showed a knowledge 453 of the laws and institutions of Israel, of the sacrificial service and the teachings of the prophets, far exceeding that of the priests and rabbis. He broke through the barriers of formalism and tradition. The scenes of the future life seemed outspread before Him. As one who beheld the Unseen, He spoke of the earthly and the heavenly, the human and the divine, with positive authority. His words were most clear and convincing; and again, as at Capernaum, the people were astonished at His teaching; "for His word was with power." Luke 4:32. Under a variety of representations He warned His hearers of the calamity that would follow all who rejected the blessings He came to bring them. He had given them every possible proof that He came forth from God, and made every possible effort to bring them to repentance. He would not be rejected and murdered by His own nation if He could save them from the guilt of such a deed.

Medens Jesus således stod som midtpunktet for den store skares opmærksomhed, talte han til dem, som endnu intet menneske havde gjort. Hans ord viste et kendskab til Israels love og indstiftelser, til offertjenesten og profeternes lære, som langt overgik de skriftkloges og præsternes. Han nedbrød formalismens og overleveringernes skranker. Det fremtidige livs foreteelser syntes at ligge udbredt foran ham. Som en, der så det, der er skjult, talte han om det jordiske og det himmelske, det menneskelige og det guddommelige, med uomtvistelig myndighed. Hans ord var i højeste grad klare og overbevisende, og ligesom i Kapernaum blev folket slået af forundring over hans lære, "thi han talte med myndighed". Luk. 4,32. Under vidt forskellige fremstillingsformer advarede han sine tilhørere om den elendighed, der ville blive følgen for alle dem, der forkastede de velsignelser, han var kommet for at bringe. Han. havde givet dem ethvert muligt bevis for, at han var udgået fra Gud, og havde på enhver måde bestræbt sig for at føre dem til anvendelse. Han ville ikke forkastes og myrdes af sit eget folk, hvis han kunne frelse dem fra at begå en sådan ugerning.