What is the meaning of Matthew 28:18? Then Jesus came to them • The risen Jesus takes the initiative, physically approaching the disciples who are still processing the events of the cross and empty tomb (John 20:19–20; Luke 24:36). • His nearness reassures them—and us—that the Lord is not distant but present, fulfilling His promise, “Surely I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20; cf. Hebrews 13:5). • The moment recalls earlier appearances where Jesus “came and stood among them” (John 20:26), signaling continuity between His earthly ministry and His resurrected life. and said • Jesus speaks; He does not leave them to guess. Throughout His ministry He has taught with authority (Matthew 7:29), and now the same voice leads them into the next chapter of God’s plan. • The Father’s command on the mount of transfiguration—“Listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5)—still applies. Obedience flows from hearing His word (John 10:27). • His speaking underscores the personal nature of revelation: God communicates directly, clearly, and sufficiently through His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2). All authority • “All” leaves nothing outside His control. He alone possesses absolute right to rule (Daniel 7:13-14; Colossians 2:9-10). • This authority is not borrowed or partial; it is comprehensive, surpassing every earthly or spiritual power (Ephesians 1:20-22). • For believers, this means every command that follows rests on the unshakable foundation of Christ’s sovereign rule. in heaven and on earth • The scope stretches from the highest realm of angels to the everyday world we inhabit (Philippians 2:10-11). • Heaven’s throne room and earth’s furthest corner unite under one King (Psalm 103:19; Revelation 5:12-13). • Because His dominion bridges both realms, there is no place where His presence, protection, and power cannot reach (Psalm 139:7-10). has been given to Me • The Father eternally loves the Son and has “placed all things in His hands” (John 3:35; Hebrews 1:2). • The perfect obedience of Jesus, culminating in the cross and resurrection, leads to His public enthronement (Acts 2:36; Philippians 2:8-9). • The passive “has been given” highlights divine order: the Father exalts the Son, and the Son reigns, yet within the unity of the Godhead. For disciples, this settles any doubt—Jesus rules by divine appointment, not human consent. summary Matthew 28:18 announces that the risen Christ personally approaches His followers, speaks with unmistakable clarity, and declares limitless authority granted by the Father over every realm. Because Jesus reigns supreme everywhere, His ensuing commission carries decisive weight, and His continual presence guarantees success as we obey His call. |
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