Divine Jesus And Human Jesus Who Received Authority In Matthew 28:18-19

Introduction

The question of Jesus' authority, particularly as it relates to Matthew 28:18-19, is a cornerstone of Christian theology and a key point of discussion among various denominations and theological perspectives. Matthew 28:18-19 states, "Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age’”. This passage is central to understanding the mission and identity of Jesus, as well as the nature of the Trinity. Trinitarian theology posits that Jesus is both fully God and fully human, a concept that raises complex questions about how divine and human attributes coexist within one person. This article delves into the complexities surrounding the authority granted to Jesus, exploring the interplay between His divine and human natures, and examining the Trinitarian perspective on this critical issue.

Understanding the nuances of Jesus' authority requires a careful examination of biblical texts, theological doctrines, and historical contexts. The Trinitarian view, which asserts that Jesus is one person with two natures—divine and human—adds a layer of complexity to this discussion. The core question we aim to address is: In the context of Trinitarian theology, which aspect of Jesus—His divine nature or His human nature—received the authority described in Matthew 28:18-19? Exploring this question necessitates a deep dive into the nature of God, the person of Jesus Christ, and the implications for Christian life and mission. This exploration will consider the nuances of how Jesus, as both God and man, exercises this authority, and how this understanding shapes Christian faith and practice. This article seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis, drawing on scripture, theological insights, and scholarly discourse to offer a balanced perspective on this vital topic. It will also address potential challenges and differing viewpoints, fostering a deeper appreciation for the richness and complexity of Christian doctrine.

The Divine and Human Natures of Jesus

The central tenet of Trinitarian theology is that Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully human. This dual nature is not a simple combination of two separate entities, but rather a complex unity within a single person. The divine nature of Jesus refers to His eternal existence as God, sharing in the essence, attributes, and glory of the Father and the Holy Spirit. This divinity is not something Jesus acquired but is intrinsic to His being. The human nature of Jesus, on the other hand, refers to His incarnation—His taking on human flesh and experiencing life as a man. This includes His birth, life, death, and resurrection. The humanity of Jesus is essential for His role as the mediator between God and humanity, as well as the perfect sacrifice for sin.

The doctrine of the two natures is crucial for understanding the person of Jesus and His redemptive work. The Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD formalized this understanding, declaring that Jesus is “one Person with two natures, in whom are united without confusion, without change, without division, without separation; the distinction of natures being in no wise taken away by the union, but rather the property of each nature being preserved.” This definition emphasizes that Jesus' divine and human natures are distinct yet inseparable, coexisting harmoniously within one person. The implications of this doctrine are profound. If Jesus were not fully God, He could not have the power and authority to save humanity. If He were not fully human, He could not represent humanity before God, nor could He experience the fullness of human life and suffering. The two natures of Jesus are thus essential for His role as Savior and Lord. This dual nature allows Jesus to relate to both God and humanity, bridging the gap created by sin. It also highlights the depth of God's love for humanity, as He sent His Son to become one of us, sharing in our joys and sorrows.

The distinction between the divine and human natures is also vital for understanding specific events in Jesus' life. For example, when Jesus performed miracles, it was often through the power of His divine nature. When He experienced human emotions, such as sorrow or hunger, it was through His human nature. The ability to distinguish between these two natures helps to reconcile seemingly contradictory aspects of the Gospel narratives. It is important to recognize that while Jesus' divine nature possesses all the attributes of God, His human nature is subject to the limitations of human existence. This understanding helps to avoid the pitfalls of either denying Jesus' divinity or diminishing His humanity. The doctrine of the two natures provides a framework for interpreting the biblical accounts of Jesus' life, teachings, and actions. It affirms that Jesus is not merely a great teacher or a prophet, but the incarnate God, who came to redeem humanity. This understanding is fundamental to Christian faith and practice, shaping how believers relate to Jesus and live out their faith in the world.

Matthew 28:18-19: The Granting of Authority

In Matthew 28:18-19, Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." This statement is made after His resurrection, a pivotal moment in Christian theology that signifies His victory over sin and death. The context of this passage is crucial for understanding its significance. Jesus is speaking to His disciples, commissioning them to go and make disciples of all nations. This command, known as the Great Commission, is central to Christian mission and evangelism. The authority Jesus claims is not merely a temporal power but a universal and eternal dominion. It encompasses all aspects of creation, both visible and invisible, and extends to every person and nation. This authority is not something Jesus acquired as a reward for His obedience, but rather something that is inherent to His divine nature. However, the timing of this declaration, after His resurrection, suggests a new dimension to His authority, one that is rooted in His completed work of redemption.

The phrase "has been given to me" is often interpreted in light of Jesus' incarnation and His role as the God-man. While Jesus, as God, possesses all authority eternally, His earthly ministry and sacrificial death were essential steps in the outworking of God's redemptive plan. The granting of authority in Matthew 28:18-19 can be seen as the culmination of this process, the Father's affirmation of Jesus' completed work and His exaltation to the right hand of God. This perspective emphasizes the importance of Jesus' human obedience and His victory over sin and death. It also highlights the Trinitarian understanding of God, where the Father and the Son work together in perfect unity for the salvation of humanity. The authority granted to Jesus is not separate from the authority of the Father or the Holy Spirit, but rather an expression of the shared authority of the Triune God.

The implications of this authority are far-reaching. It is on the basis of this authority that the disciples are sent out to make disciples, baptize believers, and teach them to obey Jesus' commands. The Great Commission is not merely a suggestion or an invitation but a command backed by the full authority of Jesus Christ. This authority also serves as the foundation for Christian hope and assurance. Believers can trust in Jesus' power to save, protect, and guide them because He has been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, this authority is not limited to the Church but extends to all areas of life. Jesus' Lordship encompasses every aspect of creation, and His followers are called to live in obedience to His commands in every sphere of influence. The declaration of Jesus' authority in Matthew 28:18-19 is thus a foundational truth for Christian faith and practice. It shapes how believers understand their mission in the world, their relationship with Jesus, and their hope for the future. This passage calls Christians to recognize and submit to Jesus' authority in every area of their lives, trusting in His power and wisdom to accomplish His purposes.

Divine Authority or Human Authority: A Trinitarian Perspective

Within the context of Trinitarian theology, the question of whether the authority in Matthew 28:18-19 was received by Jesus' divine nature or His human nature is a nuanced one. Trinitarians believe that Jesus Christ is one person with two distinct natures—fully God and fully human. This means that both natures are united in the person of Jesus, and neither nature operates independently of the other. Therefore, it is more accurate to say that the authority was received by the person of Jesus Christ, in His totality, as both God and man. This understanding preserves the integrity of both Jesus' divinity and His humanity, avoiding the pitfalls of either denying His full deity or minimizing His genuine humanity.

Considering Jesus' divine nature, He possesses all authority eternally as God the Son, the second person of the Trinity. This authority is not something He acquired but is inherent to His being. From eternity past, Jesus has shared in the glory and dominion of the Father and the Holy Spirit. However, in His incarnation, Jesus took on human flesh, voluntarily limiting the independent exercise of some of His divine attributes. This self-limitation, known as the kenosis (Philippians 2:5-11), was essential for Jesus to live a truly human life and to fulfill His redemptive mission. In His humanity, Jesus experienced the limitations of human existence, including hunger, thirst, weariness, and ultimately, death. Despite these limitations, Jesus remained fully God, and His divine nature was never compromised. The granting of authority in Matthew 28:18-19 can be seen as the Father's affirmation of Jesus' completed work as the God-man, His vindication of Jesus' obedience, and His exaltation of Jesus to the highest place of honor and authority. This perspective emphasizes the unity of the Trinity and the harmonious working of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the plan of salvation. It also underscores the importance of Jesus' human obedience and His victory over sin and death as the foundation for His universal authority.

When examining Jesus' human nature, it is equally important to recognize that He received authority as the representative of humanity. Through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, Jesus earned the right to be the Lord of all. His resurrection and ascension are the Father's declaration that Jesus' work is complete and His victory is assured. The authority granted to Jesus in Matthew 28:18-19 is thus not only a confirmation of His divine authority but also a recognition of His human achievement. This perspective highlights the significance of Jesus' role as the mediator between God and humanity. As the God-man, Jesus bridges the gap created by sin and reconciles humanity to God. His authority is not exercised in isolation but is always directed toward the salvation and restoration of humanity. The Trinitarian understanding of Jesus' authority thus encompasses both His divine and human natures, affirming that the authority was received by the one person of Jesus Christ, who is both fully God and fully human. This understanding is essential for a balanced and comprehensive view of Christian theology, shaping how believers understand the nature of God, the person of Jesus, and the mission of the Church.

Implications for Christian Faith and Practice

The understanding of Jesus' authority in Matthew 28:18-19 has profound implications for Christian faith and practice. Recognizing that Jesus has been given all authority in heaven and on earth calls believers to submit to His Lordship in every area of their lives. This submission is not merely an intellectual assent but a practical obedience that shapes thoughts, words, and actions. Christians are called to live in accordance with Jesus' teachings, to follow His example, and to seek His guidance in all things. This includes personal relationships, professional endeavors, financial decisions, and engagement in the wider world. Submitting to Jesus' authority means prioritizing His will above personal desires and ambitions, trusting in His wisdom and guidance, and living a life that is pleasing to Him.

Jesus' authority also provides the foundation for Christian mission and evangelism. The Great Commission, given in Matthew 28:19-20, is a command to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey Jesus' commands. This mission is not optional but is a central calling for every believer. The authority of Jesus assures Christians that they are not acting on their own initiative but are participating in God's redemptive plan for the world. This understanding empowers believers to share the Gospel with confidence, knowing that Jesus is with them always, to the very end of the age. It also motivates them to engage in acts of service and compassion, demonstrating the love of Christ to those in need. The mission of the Church is thus rooted in the authority of Jesus, and believers are called to participate in this mission as an expression of their obedience and love for Him.

Furthermore, the authority of Jesus is a source of hope and assurance for Christians. In a world marked by uncertainty and suffering, believers can trust in Jesus' power to overcome all obstacles and to bring about His purposes. His authority is not limited by earthly constraints but extends to all of creation. This gives Christians confidence that their lives are in His hands and that He is working all things together for their good. The authority of Jesus also assures believers of their salvation and their eternal destiny. Those who trust in Him have been rescued from the power of darkness and brought into His kingdom. They can look forward to a future where they will reign with Christ in glory. The understanding of Jesus' authority thus shapes the Christian worldview, providing a framework for interpreting the world and living a life of faith, hope, and love. It calls believers to recognize Jesus as the supreme authority in their lives, to participate in His mission, and to trust in His power and promises.

Conclusion

The exploration of Jesus' authority, particularly in light of Matthew 28:18-19, reveals the depth and richness of Christian theology. The Trinitarian understanding of Jesus as both fully God and fully human provides a framework for grasping the complexity of His authority. This authority is not merely a temporal power but a universal and eternal dominion, rooted in His divine nature and confirmed through His human obedience and sacrificial death. The authority granted to Jesus is thus a manifestation of the unified work of the Trinity, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in the plan of salvation. It is an authority that encompasses all aspects of creation and extends to every person and nation.

The implications of this understanding are profound for Christian faith and practice. Recognizing Jesus' authority calls believers to submit to His Lordship in every area of their lives, to participate in His mission, and to trust in His power and promises. This submission is not a burden but a privilege, as it leads to a life of purpose, fulfillment, and joy. The authority of Jesus provides the foundation for Christian hope and assurance, empowering believers to face the challenges of life with confidence and to look forward to a future of eternal glory. As Christians, we are called to live in the light of Jesus' authority, allowing it to shape our thoughts, words, and actions. This is not merely an intellectual exercise but a lived reality that transforms individuals and communities.

The discussion of Jesus' authority in Matthew 28:18-19 is a testament to the enduring relevance of Christian theology. It challenges us to delve deeper into the mysteries of God and to seek a greater understanding of the person and work of Jesus Christ. It also invites us to live out our faith with integrity and passion, recognizing that we are called to be ambassadors of Christ in a world that desperately needs His love and truth. The authority of Jesus is not just a theological concept but a living reality that has the power to change lives and transform the world. As we continue to explore the depths of this truth, may we be inspired to live more fully as followers of Jesus, the one who has been given all authority in heaven and on earth.