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“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ”
Matthew 28:19
The 7th-grade boy steps up to the plate. Just hours ago, at school, the boy didn’t care what he wore or even how he looked. His shirt was wrinkled, and his messy hair was hidden under his favorite cap. He believes in his soul that deodorant is optional ignoring his mother’s daily plea. But not tonight, tonight is game night. His uniform is neatly folded, his buttons and belt line up perfectly, and his pants cover the top of his cleats as if tailored on Saville Row in London. The boy knows he must look good for the game. Now is his time, so he confidently looks at the pitcher with bat waiving and parents screaming.
The stocky pitcher winds up and throws that white ball right where the batter likes it. He swings with all his might …WHACK! The ball flies off that metal bat like a bouncy ball on concrete. It glides over the infield and to the side of the center fielder who misjudged the ball. The slightly overweight middle-aged coach on first base swings his arms like a windmill shouting “Go two! Go two! Go two!” The boy runs with all his might and slides on his side into second base touching the base just milliseconds before the ball reaches the glove of the second baseman.
“HE’S SAAAAAFE!” The umpire shouts, crossing and waving his arms in front of him.
“What?!” The second baseman shouts glaring at the young ump. “He’s safe” the umpire affirms with confidence. The now filthy batter smiles and wipes the dust from his white pants as his teammate now steps forward. The umpire has made the call and the game moves on.
My son umpired little league baseball this past Spring. He studied the book of rules, watched youtube videos on positioning and technique, and worked long days. Before the season began we talked about the importance of the job. Yes, coaches and players are going to question you and parents are going to shout at you, but what they say cannot sway your decision. Umpires have all the authority to call a baserunner out, or to call a baserunner safe.
In our Gospel reading this week, Jesus makes one thing clear- He has ALL authority everywhere. Jesus doesn’t say “Guys! See ya! I’m out off to heaven, now you call all the shots from here on out.” Jesus doesn’t say that, instead, he declares,
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
Jesus then follows his authoritative declaration with a specific assignment. Go out in the world and make disciples of all nations teaching them what he has taught and baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Did you catch the implication? Don’t teach what you think is right, but teach what The Lord Jesus has actually taught. Don’t make disciples of yourself, but baptize them in the name of the Triune God who claims His people as his very own.
Finally, the One who has all the authority gives the most comforting statement. “I am with you always.” Not only did he die on the cross to take away his follower’s sin, he makes it personal and promises to be with you always. The One who has all authority says you are “SAAAAAFE!”
Sunday, we will worship and celebrate what Jesus has done for us. I can’t wait.
Pastor Austin
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