Family Devotional: Jesus Has All Authority
Matthew 28:18 – “Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.'”
Family Discussion Starter
Imagine you’re on a boat in the middle of a huge storm. The waves are crashing, the wind is howling, and everyone is scared. But there’s one person on the boat who can simply say “Stop!” and the storm obeys. That’s exactly what Jesus did! He has authority over everything – the weather, sickness, even death itself.
When Jesus says “all authority,” He means ALL of it. He’s not just powerful – He’s THE most powerful. And the amazing thing? He uses His power with perfect love. He’s like the best king who ever lived, who always does what’s right and always cares about His people.
Discussion
For Younger Kids
Questions:
- Who’s in charge in our family? (Let them answer – Mom, Dad, etc.)
- Who’s in charge of EVERYTHING in the whole world? (Jesus!)
- If Jesus can tell storms to stop, what else can He do? (Anything! He made everything!)
Activity: Play a simple “Simon Says” game, but call it “Jesus Says.” Explain that when we love Jesus, we want to do what He says because He loves us and knows what’s best.
Simple Truth: “Jesus is the boss of everything, and He loves me!”
For Older Kids
Questions:
- What does “authority” mean? (The right and power to be in charge and make decisions)
- The sermon mentioned Jesus has authority over sickness, demons, nature, and even death. Which one is hardest for you to believe? Why?
- If Jesus has all authority, why do bad things still happen? (Jesus allows people to make choices, even bad ones. But one day He’ll make everything right.)
- What’s the difference between recognizing Jesus is powerful and actually following Him? (One is just knowing facts; the other is trusting Him with your life)
Challenge: This week, when you face something hard (a test, a friendship problem, a fear), stop and remember: “Jesus has authority over this too. I can ask Him for help.”
For Teens
Questions:
- The sermon said, “Recognition is not the same as surrender.” What’s the difference? (You can know Jesus is Lord without actually letting Him be Lord of YOUR life)
- Where in your life are you most tempted to want your own authority instead of submitting to Jesus?(Relationships? Future plans? Money? Social media? Be honest.)
- The centurion in Matthew 8 understood authority because he lived under it and exercised it. How does understanding authority in other areas of life (parents, teachers, coaches, bosses) help us understand Jesus’s authority?
- Why do you think people resist Jesus’s authority if He’s perfect and loving? (Pride, wanting control, fear of what He might ask, not really believing He’s good)
Challenge: Identify one area where you’ve been holding onto control instead of surrendering to Jesus. This week, pray specifically: “Jesus, you have all authority. I surrender [this area] to you.”
Memory Verse
Matthew 28:18 – “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.”
Pray
“Jesus, we recognize that you have all authority over everything. Help us not just to know this, but to surrender our lives to you. Show us our marching orders each day. We trust you because you’re powerful AND loving. Help us follow you this week. Amen.”
