Go in the Authority of Jesus: The Great Commission

April 13, 2026

The Great Commission isn't just a suggestion for a select few - it's a command for every believer. Following Jesus is just the beginning; being sent by Him is what comes after resurrection. Jesus didn't rise from the dead to be admired; He rose to commission His people to go into the world with His authority.

What Does It Mean to Go in Jesus' Authority?

When Jesus appeared to His disciples on the mountain in Galilee, He made a profound declaration: "'I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth'" - Matthew 28:18. This wasn't partial authority or temporary power - it was complete, resurrection authority over everything.

The Authority Behind the Commission

Jesus has authority because He obeyed God perfectly, died victoriously, and rose powerfully. As Philippians 2:9-11 tells us, "'Therefore God has also highly exalted him and given him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow... and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.'"

This means Jesus has authority over:

Heaven and all spiritual powers
Earth and all nations
Demons and evil forces
Sickness and disease
The power to forgive sins
The right to send His church

Who Is Called to the Great Commission?

Everyone Is Included

You might think the Great Commission doesn't apply to you because you're new to faith, retired, dealing with health issues, or feel unqualified. But the truth is, if you belong to Jesus, you're called to obey Him - not because you have it all together, but because He has authority.

The Great Commission includes:

New believers who just got baptized
Retired individuals who think they've "done their bit"
People with limitations, health issues, or past failures
Those who feel flawed and unqualified

Worship and Doubt Can Coexist

When the disciples saw Jesus on the mountain, Matthew 28:17 tells us "'they worshipped him, but some of them doubted.'" Don't judge the disciples for having questions - they had just witnessed their teacher die and rise again. There was a lot to process.

Sometimes we come to worship with doubts, fears, and anxieties. That's okay. Worship and doubt can coexist. The best thing you can do in moments of fear or uncertainty is worship Jesus. As Habakkuk declared, even when circumstances are bleak, "'yet I will rejoice in the Lord God'" - Habakkuk 3:18.

How Do We Go in His Authority?

We Go in His Power and With His Permission

We don't go in our own strength, name, or confidence - we would fail miserably. Instead, we go as commissioned representatives of Christ. When you speak for Jesus, you're not a volunteer with an opinion; you're an ambassador with delegated authority.

As Corrie Ten Boom said, "Trying to do the Lord's work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you."

We Go With His Presence

Jesus ended the Great Commission with a promise: "'And be sure of this, I am with you always, even to the end of the age'" - Matthew 28:20. We're not doing this alone. His presence goes with us in every situation:

When we step into difficult conversations
When we pray for someone despite our own weaknesses
When we serve quietly and nobody notices
When we face rejection, opposition, or fear

What Does "Making Disciples" Actually Mean?

As You Go

The Greek word for "go" carries the sense of "as you are going." This means disciple-making happens in ordinary moments - as you go to work, live on your street, speak with neighbors, and meet people in everyday life. It's not just for special church events or overseas missions.

Teaching Jesus' Commands

Making disciples involves more than gathering converts - we must form disciples whose lives reflect Christ's character. Jesus commanded us to teach people to:

Love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength
Love their neighbors deeply
Forgive freely
Pray faithfully
Walk in holiness
Trust the Father
Carry the cross and follow Him daily

Why Is This Called the "Great" Commission?

It's called great because:

Of the One who gave it
Of the authority behind it
Of the size of the mission (both local and global)
Of what's at stake (eternity, souls, families, communities, nations)
It gives every believer an awesome responsibility
It's why the church exists
It includes the whole Trinity
It's still unfinished

Are We Ready for What's Coming?

There's a wave of the Holy Spirit coming upon communities everywhere. Churches will need more life groups, more people who can disciple, teach, pastor, and open their homes. Every believer needs to be on active Great Commission duty.

The problem isn't the Spirit breaking out - He's already here and moving. The problem is the church breaking out of comfort zones, fear, and doubt to actually go and share the good news.

Life Application

This week, identify specific people in your life who don't know Jesus - neighbors, family members, coworkers, friends. Don't just pray for them; take action. Share your story with them. Invite them to church. Have the courage to break out of your comfort zone and speak about what Jesus has done in your life.

Remember, you go in His power, with His permission, and in His presence. You're not operating in your own strength but as a commissioned representative of the King.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

Who in my life needs to hear about Jesus this week?
What fears or excuses am I using to avoid sharing my faith?
How can I step out of my comfort zone to be obedient to the Great Commission?
Am I ready to be part of the wave of revival that's coming to my community?

The Great Commission isn't optional - it's a command from the risen Christ who has all authority in heaven and earth. The question isn't whether you're qualified, but whether you're willing to go in His authority and see lives transformed by the gospel.