All Authority belongs to Jesus

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | October 11, 2023 | Matthew 28:18

KEY VERSE:

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Matthew 28:18

MESSAGE:

In the final verses of the Gospel of Matthew, we encounter a profound declaration by the risen Lord Jesus Christ. He asserts, "All authority is given unto me in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18). This statement carries immense significance for our faith and our lives as His followers. In this declaration, Jesus affirms His sovereignty over all things. He declares His authority over heaven and earth, indicating His divine and limitless power. When Jesus declared "All power is given unto Me in heaven and on earth." He was referring to the spiritual as well as the physical. Jesus spoke of His power to forgive sins. He has authority and power over all the powers of darkness. All of those forces that are opposed to your walk with Him. Jesus has absolute authority, the fullest possible authority in heaven and earth. Jesus Christ has supreme authority throughout the universe and therefore can commission His disciples and empower them to accomplish God's eternal purpose. Jesus has that authority because of who He is, the Risen Lord. The recognition of Jesus' supreme authority reminds us that there is no challenge, problem, or situation beyond His control. As believers, we can find security and peace in knowing that our Lord and Savior reigns with unmatched power. As His followers, we are called to actively participate in His mission, making disciples and teaching His Word. We do this not in our strength but in His authority and with His promised presence. While Jesus possesses all authority, He also entrusts His disciples with a significant responsibility—the task of spreading the gospel and making disciples. As disciples of Christ, we are called to use the authority He has given us to fulfil His mission. We are to act as ambassadors of His truth and grace, sharing His love with a world in need.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE

What does Jesus’ authority mean to your life? Take a moment to reflect on how the truth that all authority has been given to Jesus impacts your daily life. How does it influence your decisions, priorities, and actions? How does His authority bring you peace and assurance? Reflect on specific instances when you have found comfort in knowing that He is in control. In what ways can you submit to His authority more fully? Think about areas of your life where you may still be holding onto control or resisting His authority. How can you surrender more fully to His lordship and trust in His wisdom and sovereignty?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the glorious truth that all power belongs to Jesus. Help us to surrender to His authority, obey His commands, and boldly fulfil His Great Commission. May we live as faithful disciples, knowing that His presence and power are with us every step of the way. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! ___ DAILY word study: IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH The phrase "in heaven and on earth" in Greek is translated as: "ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς" (en tō ouranō kai epi tēs gēs):

• "ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ" (en tō ouranō): In heaven. "En" denotes a state or place, and "ouranos" refers to heaven or the sky, often used to convey the dwelling place of God.

• "καὶ" (kai): And.

• "ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς" (epi tēs gēs): On earth. "Epi" indicates a location or place, and "gē" refers to the earth or land.

The phrase "in heaven and on earth" is a powerful expression used throughout the Bible to convey the scope of God's authority:

• Divine Sovereignty: It often emphasizes God's sovereignty over both the heavenly realms and the earthly domains (Genesis 14:19, Psalm 115:16, Daniel 4:35).

• Universal Authority of Christ: In the New Testament, especially in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), it declares the universal authority given to Jesus as Lord over all realms.

In Matthew 28:18, Jesus asserts His authority after His resurrection. This statement is made in the context of His commission to the disciples to make disciples of all nations and we learn about:

1. Comprehensive Authority: The phrase leaves no realm untouched by the authority of Jesus. It spans the celestial heights of heaven to the tangible expanse of the earth, signifying a comprehensive and universal rulership.

2. Kingdom of God: The declaration echoes themes of the Kingdom of God, where God's authority is recognized and acknowledged in all realms. It is a foundational proclamation of the inauguration of God's reign through Christ.

3. Commission and Assurance: This declaration precedes the Great Commission, emphasizing that the disciples are sent out under the comprehensive authority of the resurrected Christ. It provides assurance that their mission is backed by divine power.

Contemplating the phrase "in heaven and on earth" invites us to recognize the all-encompassing authority of Jesus Christ. It challenges us to align our lives with His lordship in every sphere and to engage in the mission of extending His Kingdom throughout the world, confident in the assurance that His authority transcends all realms.

Reflections: Consider how acknowledging the comprehensive authority of Jesus impacts your understanding of His lordship in every aspect of your life. How does this recognition influence your participation in the mission of making disciples?