Matthew 28:18
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Matthew 28:18 (KJV)
Context
Matthew 28:18 is part of the final chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, commonly known as the Great Commission. After Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared to His disciples in Galilee, and this verse captures one of His significant statements to them.
Meaning
In this verse, Jesus asserts His authority by stating, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” The Greek word translated “power” (exousia) means authority, not merely raw strength. Jesus speaks as the risen Lord, having completed His earthly mission, and now possessing all authority in heaven and on earth. This authority is given to Him as Mediator, not as God the Son in His eternal, underived power, but as the God-man who has been exalted and entrusted with universal dominion. This declaration emphasizes His divine sovereignty and highlights His role as the Son of God. It reveals that Jesus possesses ultimate authority over all things, both in heaven and on earth.
The phrase “in heaven and in earth” signifies the comprehensive dominion of Jesus. It emphasizes that His authority extends beyond earthly realms and encompasses the entire universe. As the Son of God, Jesus possesses supreme authority in both the spiritual and physical dimensions.
Biblical connections
The statement Jesus makes in Matthew 28:18 sets the stage for the Great Commission, which follows in the subsequent verses (Matthew 28:19-20). Having established His authority, Jesus commissions His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all His commandments. The declaration of authority is the foundation for the command: because all authority is His, the disciples can go with confidence. The verse also connects to the resurrection, as Jesus’ authority is the result of His victory over death.
Application
As followers of Jesus Christ, this verse has several implications for our faith and lives:
Trust in His Authority: We can find comfort and assurance in knowing that Jesus has all power and authority. We can trust in His ability to guide, protect, and provide for us in all circumstances.
Obedience to the Great Commission: Jesus’ authority empowers us to fulfill the Great Commission by sharing the Gospel, making disciples, and teaching others about Him. We can engage in this mission with confidence, knowing that the One who has all authority is with us.
Surrender and Submission: Recognizing Jesus’ authority calls for our surrender and submission to Him. We are called to align our lives with His teachings, submit to His lordship, and yield to His authority in every area of our lives.
Worship and Adoration: Jesus’ divine authority merits our worship and adoration. As we grasp the magnitude of His authority, we respond in reverence, praise, and worship, acknowledging Him as the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Reflection
Matthew 28:18 highlights Jesus’ supreme authority over all things. His words assure us of His sovereignty and establish the foundation for the Great Commission. As believers, we are called to trust in His authority, obey His commands, surrender to His lordship, and worship Him as the one who has been given all power in heaven and on earth.
