Deity of Christ
If Jesus had to be given all power, then he cannot be God because God is all-powerful and does not receive power from anyone.
Quick answer
The context of Matthew 28:18 shows that Jesus claims absolute power and identifies himself with the divine name, indicating his coequality with the Father. His authority was given to him as part of his role as a servant during his earthly ministry, which does not negate his divine nature.
Full argument
In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus states, 'All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth,' which is often cited by Muslims to argue against his divinity. However, this assertion overlooks the broader context of the passage, where Jesus not only claims complete authority but also commissions his disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thereby affirming his divine status. Furthermore, Jesus' role as a servant during his earthly ministry, as highlighted in Matthew 12:15-21, explains why he was given authority, as he took on this role to fulfill God's plan of salvation. This does not diminish his divine nature, as he possesses omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence, characteristics that belong to God alone. Thus, the claim that Jesus cannot be God because he was given power fails to recognize the full scope of his divine identity and mission.
Key verses
Matthew 28:18bible
All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Matthew 28:19-20bible
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the NAME of the Father, AND OF THE SON, and of the Holy Ghost.
Matthew 12:18bible
Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased.
Related articles
More in Deity of Christ
- The Bible condones rape because it instructs a rapist to marry his victim in Deuteronomy 22:28-29.
- Muslims believe that Jesus cannot be God because God is the only eternal ruler and king.
- Muslims might say that the Lord's Prayer does not indicate the divinity of Jesus, as it emphasizes praying to the Father alone.
- Muslims believe that Jesus is not the Son of God and that he is not equal to God.
- Muslims might argue that hell was created for all humanity, and that God's justice requires punishment for all who sin.