March 21st, 2026 Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

JESUS HAS ALL AUTHORITY

Matthew 28:18 “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” 

The Lutheran Study Bible says concerning Jesus claim to “all authority:” “Christ’s human nature, which had refrained from exercising the divine authority belonging to the person of Christ, now is fully exalted and given free use of divine authority . . ‘He can also powerfully effect and do everything that He says and promises.’” (FC SD VII 43). 

Jesus here claims “all authority in heaven and on earth.” Jesus, based on the authority He has been given by His heavenly Father instructs His disciples. Matthew has stressed Jesus’ authority throughout his gospel: 1) authority to His teaching (Matt. 7:29); He exercised authority in healing (Matt. 8:1–13); in forgiving sins (Matt. 9:6); authority over Satan; and, He delegated that authority to His Apostles (Matt. 10:1). 

Jesus now uses His authority to give His final instructions to His disciples as He is about to send them out into the world to “make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 20:19) His word of authority empowered the disciples to go confidently into the world with the gospel. 

By Jesus authority you are also included in these final words recorded in Matthew 20. By God’s grace through your faith in Jesus you are under His authority (power) because it is over “heaven and earth.” No one can overpower Jesus and this means also you. No one can overcome His rule over heaven earth. He is the King that “rules with His almighty power over all creation.) (Small Catechism, Second Article) He leads His church (you) to glory as St. Paul wrote to Timothy, “. . .He will rescue (us) from every evil deed and bring (us) safely into His heavenly kingdom.” (2 Timothy 4:18) 

Prayer: Lead me Jesus into Your heavenly Kingdom. In Your holy name. Amen. 

Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ our head and cornerstone,  
Chosen of the Lord and precious,
Binding all the Church in one;  
Holy Zion’s help forever
And our confidence alone. 

To this temple, where we call You,
Come, O Lord of hosts, and stay;  
Come with all Your loving kindness,
Hear Your people as they pray;  
And Your fullest benediction
Shed within these walls today. 

Grant, we pray, to all Your faithful
All the gifts they ask to gain;  
What they gain from You, forever
With the blessed to retain;  
And hereafter in Your glory
Evermore with You to reign. 

Praise and honor to the Father,
Praise and honor to the Son,  
Praise and honor to the Spirit,
Ever three and ever one;  
One in might and one in glory
While unending ages run!  

Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation // LSB 909

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