Extreme Makeover World Edition
Friday, March 3, 2006
My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, You are the highest authority! You alone sit enthroned over all the universe. Thank You for granting us authority in Jesus Christ. Through the power of the cross, I can now walk in Your authority and power. Help me to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in everything. I want to make a difference in this world for Your glory and honor. I ask this in Jesus’ name. . . Amen.
God’s Word Today—Matthew 25:34-40
34 “Then the King will say to those on the right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ 37 Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you? 40 And the King will tell them, ‘I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’”
Reflecting on God’s Word
Matthew 28:16-20 has traditionally been called the “Great Commission.” It is “great” because it is our overarching purpose. It is God’s commission for His people to go into the world and make disciples. Normally a person doesn’t waste their last words before they leave (whether it’s death or by some other long separation). Last words usually hold a significant amount substance. If a person is lying on their death bed with their family all around them, they usually will say things that will leave an impression on those present. Jesus last words before He ascended into heaven are no different.
Just before Jesus was taken into heaven He told His disciples (which includes us today), to go and make more disciples. He commissioned all of us to reach out to the rest of the world and boldly proclaim His good news to every ear that will listen and every heart that will receive. Make that your sole aim today!
A Deeper Exploration of God’s Word
What does “Jesus’ authority” have to do with our going forth to make disciples?
Would it be possible to go and make disciples if Jesus didn’t have all authority? Why or why not?
Understanding God’s Purpose for Us
Write the “Great Commission” (Matthew 28:18-20) in your own words below.
Applying God’s Word to Our Purpose
If you don’t already have the “Great Commission” memorized (Matthew 28:18-20), take time to memorize this passage.
On a scale of 1-10 (10 being greatest), how would you rank yourself in fulfilling the Great Commission? How can this be improved?
Thoughts
When Jesus was about to ascend to heaven in Matthew 28, He declared to His disciples that “All authority in heaven and earth” had been given to Him. It’s vitally important we understand this reality, because it forms the basis for our going out into the world. He says, I have all authority, therefore, go! If we don’t understand the nature of Jesus’ authority we won’t understand our authority and power in Him and our witness will be greatly hindered.
When Jesus says I have “all authority,” He’s saying “I have the right to rule.” Nothing can rightfully take my authority away from me. Because this is true, we as Christians can walk in His authority and not fear the enemy. We can conquer all things because we are walking in His authority. Please understand, without His authority we would be powerless to combat the devil! Just as a police officer doesn’t have the “power” to stop a truck at an intersection – for he/she would be run over – but they do have the “authority” to stop it with an out-stretched hand. In a similar way, we as Christians don’t have the power in ourselves to defeat Satan, but we do have the authority. Satan has to obey us when we go in the name of Jesus Christ. It’s Jesus’ authority that provides for us the foundation for boldly going and making more disciples!