Only Jesus Talked Like This

Most people only think of “amen” as the last word in a prayer. We say it almost without thinking, like we’re signing our name at the bottom of a page. But when you actually look at Scripture, something jumps out. Jesus never ended a prayer with “amen.” Not one time. Instead of waiting for the “amen,” He started with it. He spoke with a kind of authority no one else had. He didn’t say “amen” to agree with God. He said “amen” to announce God’s truth.

When Jesus spoke, He often began with the words “Amen, amen, I say to you.” In the Greek you can see it plainly: ἀμὴν ἀμὴν λέγω σοι. Most translations smooth it out to “truly, truly,” but that’s not what He said. He said “amen” first, twice, because He wasn’t repeating someone else’s truth. He was speaking His own.

You can see it when He told Nicodemus, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3
You see it again when He explained the new birth, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” John 3:5
He said it when He spoke about life, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life.” John 6:47
And when He declared His identity, He used the same authority, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” John 8:58

Nobody else ever talked that way. No prophet. No teacher. No rabbi. They waited for God to speak, then agreed with Him. Jesus began with “amen” because He is the One who speaks for the Father. His truth doesn’t need a second voice to confirm it.

And that brings us back to the way we pray. We end with “amen.” Jesus didn’t. We say “amen” because we’re agreeing with God. Jesus didn’t need to agree with anyone. When He prayed, He simply talked to His Father. When He taught, He spoke with authority. When He said “amen,” He wasn’t finishing something. He was starting it.

That’s worth thinking about. We use “amen” to close our words. Jesus used it to open God’s truth.

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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler

I am an internationally published author. I have written two books: Embracing God’s Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.

This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler – Dean’s Bible Blog. All rights reserved.

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“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)