Gospel Passages That Touch on Political Issues IV

The next text I will examine is Matthew 28:18-20, our Lord's "valedictory" to his disciples. Jesus has “all authority in heaven and earth,” a rather broadly-encompassing statement. There is nothing in all creation that escapes his lordship. How does he instruct his followers? Are they to take up arms to make him king? Are they to overthrow the prevailing powers? Are they to lead a rebellion? No. They are to make disciples of all men--to exhort and instruct everyone everywhere regarding the good news that in Christ God has reconciled the world to himself (2 Corinthians 5:19). Christ does not establish his lordship by overthrowing the earthly powers that be. His lordship is already established and the days of those earthly powers are numbered. They continue only at his pleasure. But in the meantime his people are to be about the business of telling people what is already reality.