Jesus Has All Authority
How do you respond to the presence of Jesus?
Verse of the Day
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
Today’s Devotional
Jesus said this to His disciples and followers as they saw Him for the first time after His death and resurrection. The Bible says that as they saw Him, some worshipped Him and some doubted. My interpretation of the above verse is this: “I know you’re scared after watching my crucifixion. I know that seeing me alive now feels surreal. But you need to understand that I have ALL authority in heaven and on earth. That includes authority over death. So here I am, to let you SEE my authority over death. My sacrifice and resurrection secures your ability to reconcile with God. Do you believe? If you do, then go spread the word. Because everyone needs this gift. Everyone needs ME to get to the Father. And that’s where you all want to be, with the Father.” (Again, these are my words, not Scripture.)
Jesus has all authority. Over everything. Can you wrap your brain around that?
As I was re-reading this whole section of Scripture, the end of verse 20 caught my attention. In fact, this is the very last sentence in the entire gospel of Matthew.
“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
These are the words of Jesus. He was speaking to His disciples then, and He is saying those words to you and I today. He is with us.
We are coming to the end of a year. It has been quite a year, hasn’t it? But no matter what circumstances we face, there is something so comforting about that one sentence. Jesus is always with you.
We may not be able to see Him with our physical eyes, but I can feel His presence sometimes. Usually I can feel Him the most when I choose to obey (and therefore go against my own selfish desires) or when I choose to focus my mind on Him instead of on my circumstances.
Whether I can “feel” His presence or not, I believe His words. He is here. Right now in this very moment. And in all the other moments as well. Do I believe that? And how do I respond to His presence?
Journal Prompts
Answer only the questions that seem relevant to you today.
Today do you believe that Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth?
Do you ever ask Him to use that authority in an area where you are capable but unwilling?
In what ways do you need His strength and authority today?
How can you embrace the fact that Jesus is with you always?
How do you respond to His presence?