Scripture
Matthew 28:16-20 NLT
The Great Commission
Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Devotion
Right before Jesus left the earth, He said something powerful to His disciples: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore, go…”
He wasn’t showing off His power or status — He was handing them something sacred. This was a divine handover — a commissioning. He was saying, “I’ve been given all authority, and now I’m sending you to move in that same authority — in My name.”
When we live for Jesus, we don’t walk around empty-handed. We’re not meant to take a back seat, feel small, or stay silent. We carry His authority — not because we’re perfect or powerful, but because He is.
But here’s the real question: Whose name are you living under?
When we try to do life in our own name, with our own strength, we hit limitations pretty quickly. We burn out. Get discouraged. Run dry.
But when we pray, speak, and lead in Jesus’ name — we’re not alone. We’re backed by the full power and armies of heaven. His name isn’t just a phrase we tag onto prayers — it’s a banner we live under. It reminds us who we belong to and whose mission we’re on.
In Acts 3, Peter and John came across a man who had never walked a day in his life. People passed him every day, maybe dropped a few coins — but Peter stopped, looked at him and said: “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”
And instantly, the man stood up. Peter knew he couldn’t heal a man on his own. But he knew what he carried — and more importantly, whose name he carried. The same Jesus who gave Peter that authority has given it to you too!
Living with authority doesn’t mean being loud or bossy. It’s not about having control — it’s about living with deep, humble confidence. It means knowing that when God sends you, He backs you. It’s about showing up with courage, praying bold prayers, leading with peace, and knowing that when you speak truth in Jesus’ name — that’s when breakthrough happens.
Prayer
God, I receive the authority You have given me. Teach me how to live with this divine authority — to see the lost saved and the sick healed.
Help me, Lord, to live with humility and confidence. I want to reflect Your glory and Your authority.
Amen.
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