Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Matthew 28:18 WEB
These famous words of Christ receiving all authority in heaven and on earth are recorded at the close of the gospel of Matthew. They form the first sentence of Jesus’ conveyance of the Great Commission to his disciples. He follows this statement with instructions to go and make disciples of all nations. In doing this, Christ is transforming their role from disciples to apostles.
Some might wonder, what is the difference between an apostle and a disciple? A disciple is a believer, follower, and a student of his master. In this sense, all who believe in Christ are his disciples. An apostle is also a believer and follower. But beyond that, an apostle is a messenger, an advocate, and a missionary.
Given all authority in heaven and on earth, Jesus charges his devotees to share the gospel message with all people, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Further, he says in Matthew 28:20, “’teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. WEB” Saying “Amen”
The good news of salvation is straightforward. As we read in John 5:24, “Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. WEB” Jesus’ words were not his own but are the words of God.
The Word Lived Among Us
Jesus is the word of God. As he says in John 12:49, “For I spoke not from myself, but the Father who sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. WEB” Also, we read in John 1:14, “The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. WEB”
When we share the teaching of Christ with the world, we fulfill the Great Commission which is to make disciples out of all nations. To do this effectively, we present the teaching of Christ which is truly the Word of God who gave Christ all authority in heaven and on earth.
Scripture makes clear who the followers of Jesus are. Christ said in Matthew 10:27 in his parable of the good shepherd, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. WEB” If the hearer of the word is one of his, they will respond to his words favorably and follow Christ who God gave all authority in heaven and on earth.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for those who faithfully preach the gospel message of Christ. Thank you for my salvation from sin. Give me wisdom. Guide my steps as I share your holy word with the world. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Deep And Secret Things
