MESSAGE NOTES

Sunday May 18, 2025

Sermon Notes: All Authority
Text: Matthew 28:16–20
Theme: Jesus’ resurrection inaugurates the reclaiming of the nations and the defeat of cosmic powers through His Church.
Reference Base: Michael Heiser’s “Divine Council” worldview and the reversal of cosmic rebellion.


I. From Temptation to Triumph: The Authority Contested

  • Satan offered Jesus dominion over all the kingdoms of the world—because he had authority over them after Babel (Deut. 32:8–9).

  • Jesus rejects the shortcut to kingship and embraces the cross.

  • This was a battle of allegiance: worship God alone or partner with darkness.

  • Jesus begins the Great Reversal—reclaiming authority through obedience, not domination.

  • Key Insight: The Kingdom of God advances through suffering and righteousness, not compromise.


II. A Declaration of Divine Royalty: Caesarea Philippi and Mount Hermon

  • At the pagan stronghold of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asks, “Who do you say I am?”

  • Peter confesses Christ as the Son of God. Jesus declares the gates of Hades will not prevail against His Church.

  • This is Jesus' direct confrontation with the powers of darkness—on their turf.

  • On Mount Hermon (traditionally believed to be the Mount of Transfiguration), Jesus is glorified in the presence of Moses, Elijah, and the Father’s voice.

  • Daniel 7 parallels this moment: dominion and glory are given to the Son of Man.

  • Key Insight: Jesus declares war from the stronghold of rebellion, claiming authority through heavenly coronation.


III. All Authority, All Nations, All Days: The Great Commission

  • Jesus now stands on a mountain not to be tempted, but to commission.

  • “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” This is a declaration that the nations have been reclaimed.

  • The command: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.”

  • This is not just missions—it is spiritual warfare. Eden is being restored. Babel is being reversed.

  • Baptism is a declaration of allegiance and spiritual warfare—a stake in the ground against the forces of darkness.

  • Teaching is not just informational—it’s transformational. Discipleship is how we reclaim lost territory.

  • Jesus doesn’t just send us—He goes with us. “I am with you always.”