20 January 2026
Jesus steps closer before He speaks. Matthew records, “Jesus came near and said to them.” In the sermon, Mark Penrith drew our attention to that moment, saying, “He did not remain distant. He did not shout from the top of a peak. He stepped in.” Authority is not delivered from afar. The risen Christ comes near to ordinary men. He speaks directly. What He says carries weight because of who He is.
Then Jesus declares words that change everything. Matthew 28:18 says, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” Mark explained it plainly, “Not some authority. Not most authority. All authority.” This authority is not seized or assumed. It is given. Bestowed by the Father upon the risen Son. It is complete. It is rightful. It covers heaven and earth, the unseen and the ordinary moments of daily life.
That declaration reshapes how we hear Christ’s commands. As Mark said, “This is not a distant king issuing edicts. This is a Shepherd closing the gap to His flock.” When Jesus commands, He does so as the rightful King who rules every sphere. His authority does not stop at the church door. It reaches the office, the kitchen table, the school run, and the quiet thoughts of your heart. Obedience flows from who He is, not how confident or ready we feel.
For busy men, this truth presses close. You manage deadlines. You lead teams. You make decisions that affect others. Yet Jesus still says, “All authority has been given to Me.” Mark reminded us that Christ’s rule extends “from the throne of God to the dust of your driveway.” There is no neutral ground. Every area of life falls under His kingship. Our schedules, our speech, our priorities all answer to Him.
So pause and identify where resistance hides. Is it time, where work crowds out prayer. Is it tone, where pressure sharpens your words at home. Is it leadership, where control replaces trust. Mark said, “His command does not rest on your confidence, but on His divine right to rule.” Bring that area before Christ today. Submit it willingly. Teach your children why Jesus is King in your home. Let them see joyful obedience shaped by trust, not fear.
What changes when you remember that Jesus has authority over every part of your life?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You have all authority. Help me to submit every part of my life to You today. Teach me joyful obedience. Amen.