Where in the Bible does it say God gave all authority to Jesus?

The question of Jesus’ authority is at the very heart of Christian doctrine. Christians believe that Jesus Christ was not just a teacher or a prophet but the Son of God, invested with divine power and authority. But where, specifically, does the Bible say that God gave all authority to Jesus? To answer this, we’ll examine key biblical passages, explore the context of Jesus’ authority, and consider what this means for believers today.

The Foundation: Jesus’ Own Words

One of the clearest and most direct statements about Jesus receiving all authority from God is found in the Gospel of Matthew. After His resurrection, Jesus meets with His disciples and declares:

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’” (Matthew 28:18, NIV)

This powerful proclamation is part of what is known as the Great Commission. Here, Jesus explicitly states that all authority—both heavenly and earthly—has been given to Him. The context is important: this is after His resurrection, signifying the completion of His earthly mission and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. The authority Jesus refers to is comprehensive and universal, extending over all creation.

Supporting Passages in the New Testament

While Matthew 28:18 is the most direct statement, several other passages reinforce the idea that God has given Jesus supreme authority. In the Gospel of John, Jesus frequently speaks of His relationship with the Father and the authority entrusted to Him:

“For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.” (John 5:26-27, ESV)

Here, Jesus asserts that His authority comes directly from the Father, including the authority to judge humanity.

The Apostle Paul echoes this in his letters. In Ephesians 1:20-22, Paul writes about God’s power displayed in Christ:

“[God] raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church.” (Ephesians 1:20-22, NIV)

Paul’s words make it clear that Jesus’ authority is complete and divinely conferred. Similarly, Colossians 2:9-10 affirms, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.”

The Meaning and Scope of Jesus’ Authority

Given these passages, it’s evident that the Bible teaches not only that Jesus has authority but that this authority is granted by God the Father. The scope of this authority is total: over heaven and earth, over spiritual and earthly realms, and over the church and all creation.

This authority is not self-assumed but bestowed. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is careful to attribute His authority to the Father. In John 17:2, He prays, “For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.”

Old Testament Foundations and Messianic Prophecy

The New Testament’s teaching about Jesus’ authority is rooted in Old Testament expectations of the Messiah. Daniel 7:13-14 presents a prophetic vision: “There before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven… He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away…” Jesus frequently referred to Himself as the “Son of Man,” connecting His mission with this prophecy of divine authority.

Implications for Christians Today

Understanding that Jesus has been given all authority shapes Christian belief and practice. It means that Jesus is Lord of all—worthy of worship, obedience, and trust. His teachings carry ultimate weight; His promises are certain; His role as savior and judge is divinely sanctioned. For believers, this offers confidence and security: the One who loves them and died for them also reigns with all authority.

Conclusion

The Bible explicitly says that God gave all authority to Jesus in passages such as Matthew 28:18, John 5:26-27, and Ephesians 1:20-22. This authority is comprehensive, covering all realms and rooted in God’s eternal plan.