Daily Worship (Jan 04)

Matthew 28:18–20
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Devotional Thought
After his resurrection, Jesus does not begin by giving instructions. He begins by making a claim. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” This statement is the foundation of everything that follows. Jesus is not just a teacher sending out students or a leader offering advice. He is the risen King who reigns over all things.

This matters because the mission of the Church flows out of Christ’s authority. We do not make disciples because we think it is a good idea or because the world needs improvement. We make disciples because Jesus is King and he has commanded his Church to go. His authority gives weight to our obedience and confidence to our witness.

Notice how Jesus describes the work of the Church. We are to go, baptize, and teach. This is not political power or cultural control. It is gospel work. The Church does not force obedience or create change through pressure. Instead, we declare what Christ has done and call people to trust and follow him. Our work is ministerial and declarative. We announce the good news of the Kingdom and trust the Spirit to bring change.

Jesus also promises his presence. The King who sends us does not remain distant. He is with his Church always. This means we never serve alone. Whether we are praying, teaching, serving, or sharing the gospel, we do so under the authority and care of a reigning Savior.

Living under Jesus’ authority changes how we see daily life. Our work, our relationships, and our choices are shaped by loyalty to him. Because Jesus is King, we can obey him with joy and confidence, trusting that his Kingdom will continue to grow until the end of the age.

COMMA Questions
Context: How does this passage fit into the end of Matthew’s Gospel and the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection?
Observation: What words or phrases show the extent of Jesus’ authority?
Meaning: What does it mean that Jesus has “all authority” before he gives the Great Commission?
Main Idea: How does Jesus’ authority shape the mission and identity of the Church?
Application: What does submitting to Jesus’ authority look like in your everyday life?

Prayer
King Jesus, you reign over heaven and earth. Help us trust your authority and obey your command to make disciples. Give us confidence to speak your gospel and faithfulness to follow you each day. Amen.

Ephesians 1:22–23 (NIV)
And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Devotional Thought
These verses remind us not only that Jesus reigns, but that he reigns for the good of his Church. God has placed all things under Christ’s feet. That means nothing exists outside his control. Yet Paul adds an important truth: Jesus is head over all things for the Church. His authority is not distant or harsh. It is loving, purposeful, and aimed at our good.

The Church belongs to Jesus. It is described as his body, closely united to him. This means Christ does not rule from far away. He is actively involved in guiding, protecting, and providing for his people. He governs by his Word and Spirit, not by human wisdom or creativity. Church leadership, decisions, and mission are meant to flow from submission to Christ’s rule.

This passage also helps us understand why church order matters. If Jesus is the head of the Church, then the Church must seek to follow his design. Leadership is not about power or control. It is about serving under Christ’s authority so that his people are built up in faith and maturity.

In daily life, this truth brings comfort. When the Church feels weak, divided, or small, Jesus is still King. When we face confusion or hardship, Christ remains in control. His reign is steady and sure. Because Jesus fills everything in every way, there is no part of our lives untouched by his care.

Trusting Jesus as King means resting in his leadership. It means believing that he knows how to guide his Church and your life better than you do. As we submit to him, we learn to live with peace, confidence, and hope in his unshakable Kingdom.

COMMA Questions

• Context: How does Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1 help explain these verses about Christ’s authority?
• Observation: What images or descriptions show the close relationship between Christ and the Church?
• Meaning: What does it mean that Jesus is “head over everything for the church”?
• Main Idea: Why is Christ’s authority good news for his people?
• Application: How can trusting Christ’s rule bring peace into a current challenge you are facing?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, you are the head of the Church and the ruler of all things. Teach us to trust your leadership and rest in your care. Help us follow you with faith and humility. Amen.

John 18:36 (NIV)
Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

Devotional Thought
Jesus speaks these words while standing before Pilate, facing trial and death. At a moment when earthly power seems to be winning, Jesus makes clear that his Kingdom is different. It does not come from this world, and it does not operate the way worldly kingdoms do.

Jesus does not deny that he is a king. Instead, he explains the nature of his rule. His Kingdom does not advance through violence, force, or political control. If it did, his followers would fight. Instead, Jesus submits to the cross. His Kingdom advances through sacrifice, truth, and love.

This is an important reminder for the Church. Our mission is not to take over earthly systems or enforce Christian behavior. Our calling is to bear witness to the truth of the gospel. We proclaim Christ crucified and risen, trusting God to change hearts. Our work is spiritual and redemptive, not coercive.

Living in Jesus’ Kingdom shapes how we engage the world. We respect earthly authorities, but our ultimate loyalty belongs to Christ. We speak with courage but also with humility. We seek justice and mercy, but we never confuse the gospel with worldly power.

For daily life, this means following Jesus often looks different from chasing success or influence. Faithfulness may involve suffering, patience, and quiet obedience. But we can live with confidence, knowing that Christ’s Kingdom cannot be defeated. Even when it appears weak, it is advancing exactly as God intends.

COMMA Questions

• Context: How does Jesus’ trial before Pilate help explain what he means by his Kingdom?
• Observation: What contrasts does Jesus make between his Kingdom and earthly kingdoms?
• Meaning: What does it mean that Jesus’ Kingdom is “from another place”?
• Main Idea: How does the nature of Jesus’ Kingdom shape the mission of the Church?
• Application: How can you live as a faithful citizen of Jesus’ Kingdom in your daily relationships?

Prayer
Jesus, you are the true King whose Kingdom is not of this world. Help us follow you with faithfulness and courage. Teach us to trust your ways and bear witness to your truth each day. Amen.