Matthew 28:18 Understanding the Authority of Jesus

Kowloon International Baptist Church Kowloon Tong

Harry Lucenay, Pastor

28 January 2007

The debate over ultimate authority was an issue in New Testament times. Religious authorities questioned Jesus and the evil one claimed authority for himself (Luke 20:1-8; Luke 4:5, 6). As Jesus gave the great commission to his disciples he said, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me (Matthew 28:18). What did he mean?

There is no authority except that which God has established.

Romans 13:1

The ancient King Nebuchadnezzar recognized God’s authority.

He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: "What have you done?" Daniel 4:35

In the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13), the words for Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever indicate God has a right and ability to do whatever He wants and the character to do what is best.

God’s authority is seen in Jesus.

He is the image of the invisible God…for God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross. Colossians 1:15, 19, 20

1. People experienced the authority of Jesus.

Jesus acted with authority and power over disease, nature and sin.

How could he address these diverse issues?

By him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities.

Colossians 1:16

Jesus spoke with authority and power.

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority…

Matthew 7:29

The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority. Mark 1:22

2. Heaven and earth submit to the authority of Jesus.

Jesus claims all power over heaven and earth.

And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. Ephesians 1:22, 23

In putting everything in subjection to Jesus, God left nothing outside His control.

in heaven – all spiritual, metaphysical, philosophical & religious power

on earth – all social, physical, political, & economic power

Jesus is no less than God himself, in the flesh, risen from the dead.

He has been given the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9, 10

3. Everything bows to the authority of Jesus.

All things – absolutely everything

All things have been committed to me by my Father. Matthew 11:27

Jewish teachers felt that confessing the one Lord by means of the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-6) expressed submission to God's royal authority.

Matthew writes that such submission requires confession of Jesus.

Whoever publicly acknowledges me I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. Matthew 10:32 Today’s New International Version

No person, place, situation, or circumstance lays outside the scope of God’s inherent ability to command, direct, change, and use it for His purposes.

What is the secret of Jesus authority? Jesus is God. He is single-mindedly devoted to doing God’s will. In so doing, He shares hope and trust to address life’s deepest needs. One in Spirit with the Father, His authority opens a way to discover purpose and meaning in our multi-dimensional lives. Rather than react to the world we live in, He gives us power and authority to act out of our relationship with the living Lord Jesus. May God’s will guide our desires and decisions on earth as it will in heaven.

Today’s text comes from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.