Christ Church Daily Devotion Nov 23 2023

Jesus appeared to his disciples in Galilee, where some worshipped him while others doubted. Jesus declared that he has been given all authority in heaven and on earth. He came as the promised Messiah to free sinners from the grip of sin and offer them eternal life with God. Devoted Christians recognize and submit to Jesus' authority. Although society values individual freedom, we are called to obey Christ's commands for a deeper relationship with God. We should faithfully serve Jesus in making disciples. Amen. Welcome to Christ Church's Daily Devotion for November 23rd, 2023. Today we will be reading from Matthew chapter 28 verses 16 through 18. Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him, but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Jesus came to live among us as the promised Messiah of God's people. Many of the people thought the Messiah would be a political king who would free them from the grip of the Roman Empire. But Jesus' mission was not political. He came to free sinners from the tyranny of sin and to give them new life with God forever. People who are devoted Christians are people who obey Jesus. They recognize and submit to his authority. In these verses of Jesus' final words before his ascension to heaven, Jesus reminds his followers that he has been given all authority. He is Lord. As Lord, he expects that his followers will obey what he has commanded. But we have a problem with the idea of submission. Most cultures today value individual freedom and reject the idea of submitting to a higher authority. However, in our relationship with God, we are called to obey Christ's commands. This opens us to a deep, deepening relationship with the loving Father and Creator. His plan and commandments are intended to give us a way of living that is far better than anything else. Today's personal worship option, Lord Jesus, you have all authority. Help us to serve you faithfully in making disciples. Amen.