In Matthew’s gospel, we read these words. “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.” This was not their first meeting with the risen Jesus; but it was an important one. At this meeting, they received their apostolic commission. “When they saw Him, they worshipped Him.” Being worshipped and receiving worship is another proof of the Deity of Jesus Christ. As C.S. Lewis said, Jesus is either a liar, lunatic or Lord.
But after this time of worship, The Lord Jesus proceeded to speak unto them what has become known as “The Great Commission.” “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.” Let’s meditate on those words and the personal implications of those words today beloved
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth”: By making that statement, the risen Jesus Christ is making a claim to consummate sovereign authority. Jesus claims that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. The word “all” dominates Matthew 28:18-20. All authority, all nations, all things, and all the days.” (Carson)
In other words, there is nothing in heaven or on earth over which Jesus does not have authority, that is, does not have the right and the power do with as he pleases. The scope and the magnitude of the authority of Jesus is infinite, because Jesus is one with God the Father. Jesus has absolute authority over Satan, every demon, every planet, every star, every force of nature, every nation, every human government, every sickness and death itself!
Adam Clarke wrote these words: If Jesus Christ were not equal with the Father, could he have claimed this equality of power, without being guilty of impiety and blasphemy? Surely not; and does he not, in the fullest manner, assert his Godhead, and his equality with the Father, by claiming and possessing all the authority in heaven and earth?
This commission beloved, which is an authoritative command, is given in light of the authority of Jesus. This indicates that this not a suggestion. It is the same idea (with much more authority of course) as if an officer reminded a private of his rank before he gave the order. This is how every gospel ends. Mark 16.15 tells us that the command is to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Luke 24.47 tells us that “repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations.” Where are we to go? All the world; all nations. Who are we to witness to? Every creature! What are we to preach? The gospel of repentance and remission of sins in His Name. Paul the apostle declared that he went Acts 20.20 “publickly, and from house to house, 21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Go! The Greek reads something like, as you go. In other words, as you go to work, as you go to school, as you go to the gym, as you go to the hospital and etc. If you’re waiting for some kind of spiritual goose bump before you feel you’re responsible to share the gospel with the lost, then you’ve got it wrong. Evangelism isn’t something reserved for a select few people who are “in the ministry.” Evangelism is the very mission of every member in the body of Christ. 1 Peter 3.15, “but sanctify The Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” The great commission, which is the primary mission of the church, is predicated the attitude of submission. Since Christ was slain from the foundation of the world, we conclude that it has always been God’s desire to bring sinners like myself to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.. In 1 Timothy 2:3, 4 it says, “God our Savior who will have all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.”
Because Jesus has this authority, you and I we are commanded to go into the world as ambassadors of Jesus Christ. It is the authority that is in His Name that sends us. It is His authority that controls the providence in our lives, providence that guides us. It is the authority and power of The Holy Ghost that enables us and empowers us to be His witnesses. Jesus had said to these men in the upper room, “as The Father sent Me, so I send you.” He would say the same to you, beloved.
