As you read today's passages, imagine that you are one of the original disciples hearing these words of Jesus. In fact, read the first scripture verses aloud to help you "go back in time".

Matthew 28:16-20 (New Living Translation)
Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him�but some of them still doubted!

Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Phil 2:8-11 (New Living Translation)
And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal's death on a cross. Because of this, God raised him up to the heights of heaven and gave him a name that is above every other name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Matthew 7:29 (New Living Translation)
for he taught as one who had real authority--quite unlike the teachers of religious law.

Matthew 8:27 (New Living Translation)
The disciples just sat there in awe. "Who is this?" they asked themselves. "Even the wind and waves obey him!"

Matthew 9:6 (New Living Translation)
I will prove that I, the Son of Man, have the authority on earth to forgive sins." Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, "Stand up, take your mat, and go on home, because you are healed!"

Matthew 10:1 (New Living Translation) Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.

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1. What one word or thought in the Matthew 28 passage makes the biggest impression on you? Why? What questions does this passage raise in your mind?

2. The words "all authority...has been given to me" tell us that disciples are people who have confidence in the full authority of Jesus. What kind of authority does Jesus have according to the following verses:

   
   Phil 2:8-11________________________________________
   Matthew 7:29________________________________________
   Matthew 8:27________________________________________
   Matthew 9:6_________________________________________
   Matthew 10:1________________________________________

3. What part of Jesus' authority gives you the confidence you need for a situation that you're facing right now? Why?

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First of all, thank Jesus that because He is alive, you can be confident that He is in control! Tell Him if there is anything you have been doubting about Him lately. Ask for His strength to be full of confident faith that He is right about everything . . . everything about Him is true . . . and that He has His perfect plan in mind for your life. Finish by simply praising Him for a few minutes.