Moment of Meditation: All Authority (Matthew 28:18)

''And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" (Matthew 28:18).''

This verse causes no small bit of concern and confusion for interpreters. Hasn't Jesus always been God in the flesh? How could all authority be given to Him just now? After His resurrection? Didn't He already have it before?

Of course He had all authority before. Jesus' statement is for the strengthening of the Apostles' faith. While He had all authority before, they did not understand it. Nor were they ready to hear it.

Now, they are ready to hear. They have seen Him risen from the dead. They understand now that nothing has dominion over Him. That He has all authority. Even over death.

This authority even over death gives Him greater authority in your mind in regards to your sin. He has authority to condemn your sin. He also has authority to forgive your sin. Sin you give up your authority over so that you might be forgiven. Amen.