Read: Matthew 28:18‬-20

“Under authority”

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” -Matthew‬ ‭28:18-20‬ ‭‭

In the closing verses of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus made the very bold statement as an introduction to the Great Commission given to His followers. The Lord Jesus made a great claim to have “all authority in heaven and on earth,” and this authority was the basis for the disciples’ obedience to the Great Commission. 

While living on the earth, Jesus demonstrated authority over everything. He demonstrated authority in his teaching (Matthew 7:29), healing (Matthew 8:1-13), over demons, over nature (Matthew 8:27) and in forgiving sins (Matthew 9:6). By His death and resurrection, Jesus defeated all enemies including death and won for Himself all authority.

When we read the book of Acts, we see that the early disciples operated on the basis of the Lord’s sovereign authority. They ministered in His name. They depended on His power and guidance. They did not face the lost world on the basis of their own authority, but on the authority of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:30-36)

Even today, Jesus has authority and control over every situation and He wants us to go into the world (which includes our daily work) with that basis. Authority is necessary to empower service. It means that if our mission is the Great Commission, we cannot fail. It means that we have His authority when we are engaged in the mission He has given us to serve others.

When we understand this basis for reaching people with the gospel under His authority and making disciples out of them, we have no excuses of our own limitations or lack of power and authority. We also do not need to be afraid of anything when we are under the greatest authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore go and make disciples this week and every week!

Blessed week!

Joseph, PROFIT Singapore