I love ancient history. My YouTube front page and Instagram recommended videos are largely about historical facts. I was recently reading about the second most powerful person in one of the greatest ancient kingdoms. He had wealth, influence, and authority. People were expected to bow before him as a sign of respect. Most did, but one man refused.

That one act wounded his pride so deeply that he used his position to persuade the king to sign a decree to destroy an entire people group. One bruised ego led to a plan for genocide. It’s a sobering reminder of what power can do in the hands of an insecure person. That story, by the way, is about Haman and Mordecai during the reign of King Xerxes in the book of Esther.

Now contrast that with Jesus. By the time we reach Matthew 28, Jesus has been betrayed by a friend, abandoned by His followers, falsely accused, beaten, mocked, and crucified. If anyone had reason to seek revenge, it was Jesus. Yet after rising from the dead, He declares:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” 

And what does He do with that authority? He doesn’t call for revenge. He doesn’t settle scores. He doesn’t destroy His enemies. Instead, He sends His followers to make disciples. The authority of Jesus reveals His heart. The first thing the risen King does with His authority is invite people into His kingdom. That’s good news for us.

Before Jesus tells us what to do, He reminds us of who He is. Before we reflect on making disciples, may I challenge you to do the following:

• Spend 5-10 minutes writing down the things in your life that you worry about: things you believe have authority over you, your loved ones, or your circumstances.
• Pray and declare Jesus’ Lordship and authority over all these things.
• Reflect on your heart and posture. When I am offended, hurt, wounded, or rejected, which king do I resemble, Haman or Jesus? If we’re to make disciples of all people, may they be disciples who reflect Jesus.