Isaiah 9:6-7, Romans 9:5 (Isaiah 32:16, 40:10, 51:6, 60:17-18, Matthew 2:6, Ephesians 1:21-22) The government will rest on his shoulders. … His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. … Christ is God, the one who rules over everything and is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.
Jesus’s entire life as recorded in the Gospels shows us his authority: over illness, death, the wind and waves, the enemy, Satan (who is called the ruler of this world), the traditions of people, and on and on. In his last conversation with his followers he said, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). He didn’t then say, “Now destroy the Romans.” He said, “teach everyone to obey the commands I have given you,” chief among them the command to love (John 13:34-35).
I think it’s easy to forget that Jesus’s Kingdom is not of this world. He wants to rule our hearts. He said, “The Kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). He told Pilate, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight …” Paul wrote, “The Kingdom of God … is living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Jesus also said the Kingdom belongs to those who are like children (Matthew 19:14), so for fun on this first day of winter, let’s listen to a children’s song.
Jesus is the King, Ben Sams
Mary, Did You Know, by Mark Lowry
Debra Kornfield 
Thanks, Deb, for the reminder that He’s the King, Ruler over everything. Nice song! A great way to start the day!
May I suggest one “small” correction? He has all authority in heaven and on earth. What should we then do? Exactly what he focused on in his earthly ministry – make disciples. His calling (John 17.4). I know I’m “raining on the wet ground” as we say in Brazil, but just saying, the Great Commission goes on to give us three participles about HOW we make disciples: going, baptizing, teaching. So yes, we need to teach. And teach people to obey! Yet that’s not the heart of the Great Commission; it’s make disciples of all nations.
Fascinating that we interpret that today as making disciples of Christians, especially new Christians. When Jesus gave the Great Commission, the church didn’t even exist. To make disciples of all nations was profoundly evangelistic. May God revive in us the spirit, the heart, the conviction and the calling of the Great Commission once again!
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Thanks, Dave!
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