“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”– Matthew 28:18 (KJV)
“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.'”– Matthew 28:18 (NLT)
“Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: ‘God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.’– Matthew 28:18 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 28:18 Mean?
This verse is a profound declaration made by Jesus after His resurrection. It emphasizes the authority given to Him by God. We can find comfort and strength in knowing that all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Jesus. This is significant because it shows us that there is no aspect of existence where Jesus is not supreme. When we face challenges, we can rest assured that our Savior has control over all things. This also means that He has the power to guide us, protect us, and help us fulfill our purpose in life.
In this moment, Jesus is setting the stage for what is often called The Great Commission. He is preparing His disciples for the task of spreading the Gospel to all nations. This command does not just apply to the apostles but extends to all believers throughout history, including us today. The command to go forth and make disciples is grounded in the authority that Christ has received. The disciples, and we, can move forward in confidence knowing that Jesus isn’t just sending us out without support; rather, He is equipping us with His power.
Matthew 28:18 Explanation and Commentary
As we reflect on Matthew 28:18, we are reminded that Jesus has complete authority. This indicates that no matter what we are going through personally or as a society, Jesus is above it all. In moments of doubt and fear, we can recall His words and hold fast to the truth that He is in control. He came into the world to save us, teaching us about love, grace, and mercy. His resurrection proved that He overcame sin and death. By affirming His authority over everything, we can find peace.
This authority bestowed upon Jesus signifies the significance of His message. We are called to share this message of hope with others. Jesus gives us the command to go out and make disciples, showing that we all play a role in this mission. We might feel hesitant or unqualified, yet Jesus reassures us that we are not alone. His power and presence guide us in this calling. This command is a call to action, inviting each of us to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. The love we express and the teachings we share can impact others and lead them to discover His love.
Jesus’ authority also means that every teaching we share is based on His wisdom. As we offer guidance to others, we must always align our words and lives with His teaching. Let’s remember passages like Matthew 11:28, where Jesus invites us to come to Him and find rest. This is an integral part of the message we share. The authority of Christ is daunting yet comforting, reminding us that we carry His truth. His authority gives us the strength to share love, forgiveness, and redemption.
In reflecting more deeply on this verse, it becomes evident that the call to discipleship is not just a task; it is a lifestyle. This mission must be rooted in our daily actions, relationships, and the way we treat others. Our actions reflect the authority of Christ as we strive to share His teachings with integrity. Each interaction, no matter how small, plays a part in revealing His love to the world.
Context of Matthew 28:18
To truly understand Matthew 28:18, we need to consider the context surrounding it. This verse comes at the end of the Gospel of Matthew, right after Jesus’ resurrection. The disciples are confused and frightened, having just witnessed the crucifixion of their teacher and friend. They were unsure of what would come next. Just before this moment, they heard of the empty tomb and the angels’ proclamation of Christ’s resurrection. This moment is pivotal because it highlights the transition from despair to hope. It represents a powerful turning point in the disciples’ lives and the establishment of the church.
When Jesus addresses the disciples, He recognizes their fears and uncertainty. This is not just a message about authority but also encouragement. He invites them to be part of a grand mission. The command to “go and make disciples” is given in a time of immense significance. The initial disciples would go on to face persecution, hardship, and challenges that would test their faith. Yet, with Jesus’ authority backing them, they set forth boldly. Their journey became a testament to the power of Christ in transforming lives.
In understanding this context, we realize how important it is to trust in the authority of Jesus. He is not just an admired figure; He is our Savior with real power. The foundation of our faith lays in the truth that Jesus is alive. We also recognize that this mission does not end with the initial disciples but is passed down to each of us. By embracing this mission, we take part in the greater story of salvation.
As we learn about this great commission, we should be encouraged by the first disciples’ example. They were ordinary people who became extraordinary through Jesus. Their willingness to share the message changed the world. When we understand the bigger picture of what this verse encompasses, it propels us into action. We might feel unequipped, but just like the disciples, we are promised the same empowering presence of Christ. This wonderful truth sparks our faith to rise as we live our lives with purpose.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 28:18
In breaking down Matthew 28:18, we see several critical components. First, we have the declaration, “All power is given unto me.” This statement is a divine assurance. Jesus is asserting His authority over all creation. The phrase “all power” signifies that there are no limits to His majesty. We can rest in the truth that nothing happens outside of His control, which is incredibly reassuring in times of uncertainty.
The next important part is the context of the command. Jesus tells the disciples about His power right before instructing them to make disciples. This connection is important because it illustrates how Christ’s authority is meant to empower us. It is not just for His own glory but serves a greater purpose in sending us out on mission.
Furthermore, we have the call to “make disciples.” This command is direct and actionable. Jesus is inviting us to participate in spreading His love and teachings. By “making disciples,” He encourages us to invest in others and share our faith journey. This connects deeply to our relationships, where we can share and demonstrate the principles of love, forgiveness, and humility.
Lastly, this verse emphasizes divine support. By highlighting His authority, we are reminded that we are not alone in fulfilling this commission. We can lean on the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to carry out this task. Understanding these key parts allows us to see the depth of what Jesus is asking of us. He is equipping us with His authority and presence to be witnesses in the world.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 28:18
From Matthew 28:18, we gather many lessons that apply to our lives today. One significant lesson is about authority and power. Recognizing that all authority belongs to Jesus shapes our perspective. When we face challenges, we can remind ourselves that Jesus has already overcome everything. We can explore His teachings and submit to His plan, knowing He is in control.
Another critical lesson is about mission. We are all called to share the good news of Jesus. This does not require us to go far but invites us to actively engage with those around us. Whether it’s in our families, neighborhoods, or workplaces, we can represent Christ and express His love. Just like those early disciples, we are encouraged to take bold steps in sharing our faith, trusting that Jesus’ authority strengthens us.
We also learn the importance of community. The disciples were not sent out alone; they were a group. They supported and encouraged each other in their mission. Similarly, we should surround ourselves with fellow believers who uplift and inspire us. In unity, we can ask each other how we can better spread the message of Christ.
Faith is another essential lesson we draw from this verse. Jesus’ command calls us to trust Him. Sometimes, we might feel inadequate, but trusting in His authority helps us rise above our doubts. When we act in faith, we see how God can work through us. Scripture reminds us in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” By embracing this mindset, we explore the vastness of what we can accomplish with His help.
Final Thoughts
As we close our reflection on Matthew 28:18, we should cherish the profound truth embedded in this verse. Jesus has all authority, and in that authority, He calls us to an incredible mission. We are invited to be part of His great plan to spread the love and teachings of Christ. Through all situations, we can lean on the truth that Jesus is with us every step of the way.
Let us remember the courage of the earliest disciples, who faced daunting challenges armed with the knowledge of Christ’s resurrection. They left their comfort zones to share hope, and we can do the same. Our personal stories and experiences can profoundly impact those around us. Each moment we spend in connection with others, we have the chance to influence lives positively.
In conclusion, may we go forth in faith, knowing that Jesus is our guiding light. He empowers us to fulfill His calling in our lives. Let us share the love of Christ wherever we go, knowing we are equipped by the authority of our Savior. No matter where we find ourselves, let this truth resonate within us, and may we carry the message of Jesus passionately and faithfully.
Are you looking to learn more about the teachings of the Bible? Explore topics like Matthew 11 or go deeper into Genesis stories found at Genesis 18. No matter where we begin exploring, every verse can guide us to even richer insights from God’s word.