Has anyone ever made you feel uncomfortable for sharing the gospel? Has someone suggested it was inappropriate to talk about the Lord Jesus Christ?
When we go out witnessing, there are a few things God sends with us. One of the most important is God’s authority. In this article, we explore what it means to have God’s authority with us as we witness, focusing on the words of Christ in the Great Commission found in Matthew 28.
Nature of the Job
When we look at the Great Commission, Jesus gives us a clear mission. Matthew 28:18–20 states, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.”
Here, we see that our mission as Christians is to teach all nations. This teaching involves making disciples—guiding people to give their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ through repentance and faith. The first part of the job is to help people become Christians. Then, we are to baptize them, immersing them in water, symbolizing the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, as instructed by Jesus Himself.
The next part of the mission is to teach them to observe all things that Jesus has commanded. This means helping them grow in their faith, guiding them in living according to Christ’s teachings. We have the Bible, which records all of Jesus’ teachings, so our job is to teach and instruct others in what the Lord has commanded us.
All Power
One of the key elements of this passage is found in verse 18, where Jesus says, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” The word "power" here refers to authority—Jesus has all authority, not just in the physical realm, but also in the spiritual realm. There is no authority higher than His.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus demonstrated this authority in various ways. He forgave sins, performed miracles, and even in front of religious leaders, He forgave a man's sins and healed him to prove His authority to do so. Jesus has authority over everything in heaven and on earth. No one can challenge His authority.
Go
After establishing His authority, Jesus tells us to "go." This command is not just a suggestion—it’s a clear directive to take action. We are called to go out and teach all nations.
For some, this might mean physically moving to a new location to share the gospel. For others, it may mean stepping out of our emotional comfort zones and sharing the gospel with someone close to us, someone we fear might react negatively.
We see the word "therefore" as being pivotal here. The Lord Jesus has outlined his authority over all heaven and earth. It is on this basis that we are sent. We are sent with the authority to speak in the name above all names.
Ambassador in a Foreign Country
The Bible speaks of Christians as ambassadors of Christ (2 Cor 5:20). As Christians, we are sent out as representatives of the King of Kings. Just like an ambassador represents their nation in a foreign land, we are ambassadors for Christ in this world.
When an ambassador enters a foreign country, they may feel uncertain or unfamiliar with the rules and customs. Similarly, when we share the gospel, we may feel unsure, especially if we are in a situation where we don’t know how the message will be received. Yet, just as an ambassador carries the authority of their government, we carry the authority of Jesus Christ.
An example of this is when the Governor of New South Wales visited my Dad's workplace. She arrived with a military escort, and her vehicle had a number plate with just a crown on it. She could park basically wherever she wanted and move freely because she represented a higher authority. In the same way, as ambassadors for Christ, we can speak with confidence because we represent Him, and He has all authority.
Confidence
The command to "Go" is based on the authority of Christ. He has sent us on a mission, and His authority empowers us to carry it out. We are ambassadors of the King of Kings, sent into the world with a message: trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, turn from your sins, and follow Him.
If someone tells you that sharing the gospel is inappropriate or out of line, remember that you are acting under the authority of Christ. Yes, we must be wise, respectful, and live under authorities around us, but we should never forget the spiritual authority that supports us.
When we share the gospel, we do so with the power of the One who holds all authority in heaven and on earth. So go forth with confidence, knowing that you are sent by the King of Kings, and He is with you always.
