Matthew 28:18-20
Introduction
When average football fans attend a Dallas Cowboys game, they often must park a long distance from the stadium, wait in lines, and do not get the opportunity to interact with the players. If fans come to the game with the team chaplain, however, they get to share in his special access. They can even use the private elevator and go into the locker room to meet the players. We learn in Matthew 28:18 that Jesus has been given all authority in heaven and on earth, and we get access to that authority. By going with Jesus, we have the power we need to fulfill our marching orders.
In Matthew 28:15, the guards who were at Jesus’ tomb were trying to spread a lie that Jesus had not risen from the dead. But after His resurrection, Jesus met with His disciples, preparing them to share the truth with the world. Based on His supreme authority, Jesus gave them their marching orders to make disciples. Christians are meant to live in humility under the authority of Jesus, doing what He tells us to do. He tells us to make disciples as we go through life by sharing the gospel, planting seeds, and baptizing. Physical baptism is the outward evidence of a new identity as a member of God’s family. Finally, Jesus instructs us to teach others how to live out what He commands in Scripture.
If you believe that Jesus is risen, then He has given you marching orders. You do not need to worry or wonder about your purpose in life. Your responsibility is to be subject to the authority of Jesus and to make disciples wherever you go. Follow Him and rely on His power to do what He commands you to do.
Getting Started
- What are some places with restricted access where only certain people can go?
- What happens when soldiers do not follow orders?
Let’s Get Personal
- When have you not been submitted to the authority of Jesus, and what was the result?
- What obstacles, fears, or weaknesses keep you from making disciples and investing in the lives of others?
- What clarity have you gained from this message about your purpose in life?
Take the Next Step
- In what areas of your life do you need to recognize that you have no authority, and Jesus has all the authority? How can you begin to humble yourself and submit those areas to Him now?
- Who is one person you could begin discipling this week? Pray about it. Then, if the Lord leads, contact that person and set up a plan to meet together.
- Want to dig deeper? Take a look at the following passages: Matthew 16:19; 28:15-17; Mark 1:8; Luke 10:19; John 2:23-25; Ephesians 1:20; Philippians 2:10; James 4:13-15.
Renew Your Mind
“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.’”
Matthew 28:18
