Day 44 - All Authority

Written by: Nathan Boyd

 SCRIPTURE FOCUS
Matthew 28:16-20
16 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

DEVOTION
When I was in college a family that I was close with left for a two-week family vacation and asked if I would house sit while they were gone. They needed someone that could care for their animals, water the plants, cut the grass and other basic household chores. Being a broke college student that was used to living in a 12 x 15 dorm room, this was a major upgrade. Before leaving I met with the family they showed me around the house, gave me the instructions, and handed me the house key. While the family was out of town I was responsible, I had been given the authority to take care of their home. 

In our final passage in the book of Matthew, Jesus is giving his final decree to his followers. Through his resurrection Jesus had defeated sin, death, and the powers of evil. All authority is now placed in his hands, he has the keys in his possessions and nothing will stop his mission from moving forward. 

So with all authority, Jesus tells his disciples to do four things: go, make disciples, baptize, and teach people to be obedient to all his commandments. This passage is known as the Great Commission and it is the new marching orders for the followers of Jesus. We are to be proactive in spreading the truth of Jesus to our local communities and people all around the world. However, we are not only to share the good news but once people commit to follow Jesus we are then to continue to help them be transformed into the image of Jesus. Disciples of Jesus are commissioned to make other disciples of Jesus. This is the mission of the Church and every follower of Christ. 

While this task can be overwhelming, and a bit intimidating, this passage should bring great comfort because of the last verse, “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” The one that has been given complete and total authority has not left us but instead he will be with us as we work to accomplish his mission.Knowing that the one that holds the keys is working in and through us, should lead us to be bold, not shying away from the truth of God’s words and what he has called us to do.  

ACTION STEP
As we come to the end of our devotions series today, how has the Lord worked in your life over the last 40 days? Where has he shown up? What changes have you made in your life? Make a list of the ways God has changed you and then be proactive in sharing it with someone close to you that doesn’t have a relationship with Jesus.

PRAYER TIME
Lord, I thank you for who you are and for all that you have done in our lives over the last 40 days. We thank you for the time we were able to spend in your word and how you worked in our hearts and minds. My prayer this morning is that you would continue to use me as I move forward living on mission with you.