All authority in heaven and on earth
has been given to me.
—Matthew 28:18
Authorities have been getting a lot of press lately, mostly unfavorable. Authorities often come across as bullies, running roughshod over the powerless and vulnerable. But such domination and oppression is temporary and limited.
Jesus has ultimate authority. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords: the King over earthly kings and the Lord over earthly lords. And, we might add, the Authority over earthly authorities: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
He has the authority to forgive sins (Mk 2:5, 10). “You [God] granted [me] authority over all people that [I] might give eternal life to all those you have given [me]” (Jn 17:2). “I will never turn away anyone who comes to me” (Jn 6:37 TEV).
He doesn’t bully; he champions.
Those who come to him win.