Authority By Invitation

“And coming up Jesus talked with them saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” Matthew 28:18

Authority By Invitation

Authority – The Great Commission, found in the very next verse, is not comprehensible unless we first settle the issue of authority.  That’s why Jesus precedes his instruction about discipleship by declaring his authority.  But don’t be confused.  What Jesus says is not that he has the power to compel me to act according to his wishes.  What he says is that he has the right to ask for my allegiance.  And that right has been given to him.

In the final analysis, the true ground of all authority is God.  God has the first right of authority because He is the creator of all.  God certainly has power over all His creation, but with the use of the word exousia, the emphasis is not on power but on entitlement.  Exousia is the word for permission.  Jesus says that God the Father has given him the ultimate entitlement:  all authority.  Jesus has every right to direct all creation.  Jesus has the final say on everything, not just in heaven but also on earth.  There is no one in higher position, no one whose decision trumps his.  Since this is the case, endorsed by God Himself, what Jesus says is the last word on any subject.

This claim should shake us to the bone.  What Jesus says allows no exception, no condition, no alteration.  There are no arguments or alternatives to his direction.  But now the most amazing fact emerges:  Jesus is entitled to our full an absolute submission but he does not compel it.  He asks for it.  He asks us to voluntarily choose to acknowledge his entitlement over all creation.  He could enforce this right.  He could snap his fingers and bring ten thousand angels to battle in order to make us follow his will.  But he doesn’t.  He asks!  Incredible!  The one who is the final authority, the final judge, the ultimate ruler does not come to us in power and might and overwhelming, crushing force.  He paints a completely different picture of rule.  It is the rule of the servant, the power of submission.  Force simply is not part of the equation.  God asks, “Please”.

The lesson is very deep.  How do you and I exercise authority?  Do we pull out the rules and push our power or do we see Jesus, triumphant in total submission?  Do we force our “rights” or do we surrender to Him?  Are we controlling or serving?

Authority under Christ can only occur when we first acknowledge this verse:  all of it belongs to Him.