Who Is Driving My Life?

After His resurrection, Jesus meets His disciples on a mountain in Galilee and makes one of the most important statements in all of Scripture: "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth." That word translated "authority" is the Greek word exousia — it means the rightful authority, jurisdiction, permission, or legal right to act. It is not raw strength or power. Think about a police officer directing traffic. A car has more power than the officer pointing where to go. But the officer has more authority — so you do what they say. Power is the ability to do something. Authority is the right to direct something. Most people confuse power and authority. We say, "Oh, I can do that. I can take care of that." And I'm sure you could — but that is just up and stealing the steering wheel back from Jesus. Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. Jesus steering and driving is what leads us, guides us, and grows us. And because Jesus has complete authority, He can direct you over any doubt, worry, or anxiety — and that roadblock cannot stop you. The problem comes in when we try to operate in our own power instead of Jesus' authority.

Look closely at verse 17: "When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!" Some worshipped, and some of them doubted. These disciples were not prepared, not equipped, and not really the best of the best. They are sent out by Jesus because of His authority — not their power. This is one of the most encouraging lines in the Great Commission: Jesus spoke to everyone, even those who doubted. He gives His mission to people who are worshiping and doubting at the same time. Jesus does not wait for perfect people before He calls them. Moses told God he could not speak well enough. Gideon thought he was the weakest person in the weakest family. Jeremiah said he was too young. Peter denied Jesus three times. Yet God still called, used, restored, and sent them. The authority is not in the disciple. The authority is in Jesus. Some people are waiting to feel ready before they obey. But Jesus does not say, "When you feel ready, go." Jesus says, "All authority is Mine. Therefore, go."

Jesus values discipleship overwhelmingly. Consider this: the Bible records 52 individual days of Jesus' life. His ministry was about three years — roughly 1,095 days. Fifty-two days ministering, and about 1,000 days doing what? Discipling. Jesus poured His life into twelve ordinary people. The mistake a whole lot of Christians make is thinking, "I'm saved, so I can be safe and protected until Heaven — just sit around and enjoy life." But all of us are called to join in the mission of discipling others. As a pastor for over two decades, I have heard some crazy excuses for why people leave church and stop walking with Jesus — not being fed, worship style, feelings. But we are sent wherever Jesus leads us — to work, to home, to family, even to Costco. The devil wants us to be selfish and focused on ourselves. Jesus wants us focused on Him and on the people who are the mission He is leading us toward. Christianity is, and has always been, one generation from extinction. The moment you say yes to Jesus, you are called to disciple. The people around you need you to bring them Jesus. And He leaves us with the greatest promise of all: "I am with you always, even to the end of the age."