Matthew 28:18- “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.'”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse marks the beginning of Jesus’ Great Commission to His disciples. By declaring that He has been given “all authority in heaven and on earth,” Jesus establishes His ultimate power and sovereignty over all creation. This authority was granted to Him by God the Father, affirming His role as the risen Lord and Messiah.
Jesus’ authority is comprehensive—it includes both the spiritual realm (“heaven”) and the earthly realm (“on earth”). This means that nothing is beyond His rule, and His commands carry divine weight. His statement is a reassurance to His disciples that their mission is backed by His supreme authority and that they can go forward with confidence, knowing that He reigns over all.
Historical Context
At this point in the narrative, Jesus has risen from the dead and is preparing to commission His disciples for their mission to spread the Gospel. His resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of His power over sin and death, further confirming His divine authority.
The disciples were familiar with the concept of authority. During His ministry, Jesus had demonstrated His authority over nature (Matthew 8:23-27), sickness (Matthew 9:6), demons (Mark 1:27), and even death (John 11:43-44). However, this declaration encompasses more—it signals the completion of His earthly mission and the beginning of His reign as the victorious King.
Theological Implications
This verse underscores Jesus’ divine identity and His position as the sovereign ruler over all creation. His authority is not limited or temporary but complete and eternal. This assurance provides the foundation for the disciples’ mission and for the confidence of all believers.
The granting of authority to Jesus also reflects the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus overcame the power of sin and death, reclaiming the authority that had been disrupted by humanity’s fall into sin (Genesis 3).
Literary Analysis
Matthew 28:18 serves as a prelude to the Great Commission. The phrase “all authority” is emphatic, leaving no room for doubt about the extent of Jesus’ power. The pairing of “heaven and on earth” highlights the universal scope of His rule, encompassing every aspect of existence.
The use of the word “given” points to the relationship between Jesus and God the Father. While Jesus has always been divine, His authority is now fully recognized and entrusted to Him as the risen Savior.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Daniel 7:13-14: A prophecy of the Son of Man being given authority, glory, and a kingdom by God.
- Philippians 2:9-11: Describes how God exalted Jesus and gave Him the name above every name, affirming His authority.
- John 3:35: States that the Father loves the Son and has placed everything in His hands.
- Colossians 1:16-17: Declares Jesus as the Creator and Sustainer of all things, emphasizing His authority.
- Ephesians 1:20-22: Speaks of God placing all things under Jesus’ feet and appointing Him as head over the church.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Matthew 28:18 is a source of confidence and hope. It reminds us that Jesus is in control, no matter what challenges we face. His authority extends over every area of life, including the spiritual battles we encounter, the circumstances we endure, and the mission He calls us to fulfill.
This verse also calls us to submit to Jesus as Lord. Recognizing His authority means trusting His leadership, obeying His commands, and living in alignment with His will. It assures us that our faith and mission are grounded in the power of the one who reigns over all.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in the way He exalts Jesus and establishes Him as the ruler of all creation. By giving Jesus all authority, God affirms His plan to redeem and restore the world through His Son.
God’s love is also evident in the way this authority benefits His people. Jesus’ rule ensures that His followers are under the care of a perfect, loving, and all-powerful King who works all things for their good (Romans 8:28).
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Matthew 28:18 is central to understanding Jesus’ identity and mission. His authority as the risen Savior confirms His divinity and His victory over sin and death. This authority is the basis for the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and the confidence believers have in their relationship with Him.
Jesus’ authority fulfills Old Testament prophecies, such as Daniel 7:13-14, and His own claims during His ministry (John 10:17-18). It also establishes Him as the rightful King who will reign forever, bringing hope and assurance to all who follow Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean to you that Jesus has “all authority in heaven and on earth”?
- How does this verse encourage you to trust Jesus in your daily life and challenges?
- Why is it important to recognize Jesus’ authority when sharing the Gospel or fulfilling His mission?
- How does this verse challenge you to submit to Jesus as Lord in every area of your life?
- How can you live with greater confidence, knowing that Jesus reigns over all creation?
This verse is a powerful reminder that Jesus is the sovereign Lord, reigning over all things. It calls believers to trust, obey, and worship Him as the risen King, knowing that His authority is the foundation of our hope and mission.