Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” – Matthew 28:18
Have you ever wondered where hope comes from when everything seems to fall apart? The disciples asked that question with their lives, not just their words. They had watched Jesus die, their expectations buried with Him, their courage drained away. Yet what looked like a devastating end became the greatest beginning the world has ever known. Matthew 28:18 meets us right in that moment of uncertainty and speaks a steady word of assurance.
What does Matthew 28:18 reveal about Jesus’ authority?
After the resurrection, Jesus did not return quietly or tentatively. He declared that all authority in heaven and on earth had been given to Him. This statement is sweeping and complete. It tells us that nothing exists outside His rule. Life, death, heaven, earth, and every unseen power now stand under the lordship of the risen Christ. This verse anchors our faith in the reality that Jesus reigns fully and forever.
How does the resurrection change our understanding of power?
The resurrection reshapes everything we think we know about power. Sin and death once appeared unstoppable, but they were decisively defeated. When Jesus rose from the grave, guilt, shame, and fear lost their authority. The victory of God’s kingdom was not fragile or temporary. It was complete. This truth invites us to stop measuring power by circumstances and start trusting the authority of Christ, even when life feels uncertain.
How can we live under Christ’s authority today?
Living under the authority of Jesus does not mean living in fear. It means living in freedom. Though temptation and hardship still exist, they no longer rule us. Matthew 28:18 encourages believers to walk with confidence, knowing that Christ is in charge of every detail of creation. When we submit our lives to His loving rule, we discover peace, purpose, and courage that do not depend on our strength but on His victory.
This verse still brings hope to believers!
This verse continues to speak because it reminds us who truly holds the world together. Jesus did not rise only to comfort His disciples long ago. He rose to reign, to restore, and to redeem. His authority assures us that no broken moment is beyond His reach. For anyone searching for a devotional reflection on Matthew 28:18, this truth invites us to trust the risen Lord with both our present struggles and our eternal hope.