Has Jesus Given You Authority?

June 08, 2023

By Brooke Holt

“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore 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 that I have commanded you.’” Matthew 28:18-20a

My youngest son graduated from high school last week - a glorious celebration in every way. As my boy walked across the stage, the headmaster of the school handed him his diploma. The headmaster had the authority to declare that my son met all the necessary requirements to graduate high school and begin the next chapter in his life.

Like the headmaster, Jesus was both under authority and entrusted with authority. Matthew, more than any other Gospel writer, sought to convince the Jewish people Jesus was the promised Messiah and the fulfillment of the Old Testament scriptures. He begins his Gospel with the genealogy of Jesus to show Jesus was and is the rightful king in the line of David.

As the King, the Father entrusted Jesus with all power and authority over heaven and earth. From this place of authority, Jesus commissioned the disciples to continue building the kingdom of God – to make disciples, to baptize, and to teach. Jesus charged the disciples to continue the work he began on this earth.

Surely these men must have felt overwhelmed as they thought of Jesus leaving them and then building the kingdom without his physical presence. Jesus knew they needed to understand it was his work being done in them and through them. They were operating under his authority, power, and guidance. It wasn’t about them; it was about Jesus!

It is still all about Jesus! Now you are called to be his disciple - to go and build the kingdom through proclaiming and living out the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Like these original disciples, you are a person under authority, and you are commissioned by the King of kings. Jesus himself will equip, empower, lead and teach you. The Holy Spirit dwells within you to remind you of the authority and commissioning and to lead you into all truth.

Like the early disciples, you have a high and holy calling that can only be done in his authority and power. May you receive this authority and power and go out to faithfully build his kingdom.

Reflection

Are you looking to Jesus as your authority? Do you submit yourself to him through reading his word and responding to the conviction and guidance of the Holy Spirit? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Related Resource:

Jesus calls the Holy Spirit a "gift" who will guide us, lead us, and empower us. Yet many believers don't experience the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. This unique Christian small group Bible study provides a space in which we can explore what it truly means to "walk in the Spirit" on a daily basis. The Spirit-Filled Life small group curriculum centers on a 6-part video teaching series examining the life-giving and creative work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Begin to experience the gift today!