Jesus Declares His Authority

Matthew 28:16-20

The Big Idea

Jesus is Lord over all, and he calls his followers to help people learn and follow his ways. He promises to be with them always.

The Bible Story

The Great Commission

Matthew 28:16–20 describes the risen Jesus meeting the eleven disciples on a mountain in Galilee. When they see him, they worship him, though some doubt. Jesus declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. He commands the disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He also tells them to teach people to obey everything he has commanded. The passage ends with Jesus’ promise to be with his disciples always, to the end of the age.

Themes

All nations Baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Jesus’ authority Jesus’ continuing presence Making disciples Teaching obedience to Jesus’ commands

Bible moment

The Bible moment

Look closely

What children can notice

Jesus stands before the disciples in a dignified teaching pose as they listen. The composition can suggest heaven and earth symbolically through sky above and the mountain landscape below, without depicting God the Father as an elderly man.

Talk together

Talk about it

What did Jesus say about his authority?
How can we learn and follow Jesus’ teaching?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page with Matthew 28:16–20 in family devotions, Sunday school, church lessons, or homeschool study. Invite children to notice both the disciples’ worship and doubt, then discuss Jesus’ commands and his promise to remain with his followers. Keep the focus on the supplied passage.

Source note