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 NIV
There is a new emphasis in the last year in parts of the Jesus-follower community. It’s called “Read the Red Words.” A young woman named Jen Hamilton read the words of Jesus from Matthew 25, the “red letters,” aloud on social media. It created such a stir, both positive and negative, that a movement was born.
Of all the “red words” in the New Testament, these have to be among the most significant for us. They give specific explanation and significance to everything Jesus said.
Jesus said He is the filter and foundation for everything. Matthew records these words directly from the mouth of Jesus.
God the Father is the Source of His authority. After His sacrificial life, death and powerful resurrection, the Father gave His beloved Son this authority.
The scope of His authority is complete. ALL authority in heaven and earth – this means He is over everything in the spiritual realm (angels, demons, spiritual forces) and the physical realm (humanity, nations and governments, and nature). Here’s a thought – Jesus has all authority over the Bible too. Jesus is not significant because He is in the Bible. The Bible only matters because it is His story. Anything in the Bible that you find to be confusing, filter it through what is NOT confusing – the loving authority of Jesus.
His authority is the basis for our lives, our purpose, and mission. We are part of His Kingdom, and we live in loving, willing submission to His ways. As we do, we are empowered to share His good news with those around us, teaching them what Jesus has commanded for our good. We can do this with confidence and joy because He gives us His authority – He is always with us.
- When I recognize that Jesus has all authority and is with me always, I can live with complete confidence. I know and am known and empowered by the Forever King.