Connect Luke 9:1 with Matthew 28:18-20 regarding Jesus' authority and mission. Setting the Scene “Then Jesus called the Twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and power to cure diseases.” (Luke 9:1) Jesus Delegates His Authority • Jesus does not merely instruct; He empowers. • “Power and authority” are His to give because He is the Son of God (John 5:19–27). • The Twelve become visible agents of the Kingdom, previewing a wider mission still to come (Luke 10:1). The Great Commission—Authority Confirmed “And Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:18-20) Linking Luke 9:1 and Matthew 28:18-20 • Origin of Authority – Luke 9:1: Jesus grants specific power to the Twelve. – Matthew 28:18: Jesus declares universal authority, grounding the Great Commission. • Scope of Mission – Luke 9:1: Local focus—villages of Galilee (Luke 9:6). – Matthew 28:18-20: Global focus—“all nations.” • Duration – Luke 9:1: A short-term mission trip. – Matthew 28:20: A continuing mission “to the very end of the age.” • Presence of Christ – Luke 9:1: Jesus stays physically nearby during their tour (Luke 9:10). – Matthew 28:20: His presence becomes spiritual and perpetual (cf. Acts 1:8). Consistent Themes Across Both Texts • Mission flows from Christ’s authority, not human initiative (Colossians 1:18). • The Kingdom message includes both proclamation and demonstration—word and deed (Luke 9:2; Mark 16:20). • Empowered discipleship is the pattern: receive from Jesus, then go in His name (John 20:21). Implications for Believers Today • Confidence: Jesus’ all-encompassing authority secures the gospel’s advance. • Obedience: The command to “make disciples” is non-optional and ongoing. • Dependence: Power for ministry still comes from the risen Christ through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; Ephesians 3:16). • Holistic Ministry: Proclaim truth and, where He enables, meet tangible needs, reflecting Luke 9:1’s blend of word and healing. |
    |