The Unquestionable Authority of the King

Across history, kingdoms have risen and fallen, but one Kingdom stands eternal—ruled not by a council or constitution, but by a King with absolute and incomparable authority. Understanding this Kingdom is essential if we are to understand our purpose as educators, believers, and ambassadors of Christ.

The Great Commission is often reduced to a missionary slogan, a church program, or an optional ministry choice. Yet before we can grasp its urgency, we must first grasp who is giving the command—not a religious figurehead, but the rightful Ruler of heaven and earth.

The Declaration of Sovereignty

Jesus did not begin His commission by asking or suggesting. He began by declaring: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). This was not a religious statement—it was a governmental one.

All authority means there is no higher court, no rival power, no domain outside His jurisdiction.

In heaven and on earth means His rule extends beyond nature, nations, education systems, policies, culture, or spiritual forces.

He is not simply the founder of Christianity. He is King of a Kingdom, the head of a government whose decrees are not open to debate but demand allegiance.

When Democracy Shapes Our Theology

Most of us have been shaped by democratic thinking—where leaders can be questioned, opinions are protected, and rules can be negotiated. Democracy values dialogue and participation, but it unintentionally teaches us to approach God as though His commands are optional.

This mindset invades the Church when we say:

“I don’t feel called.”

“Is this command literal?”

“Let me first analyze the Greek before I obey.”

Yet scripture says we are citizens of Heaven (Colossians 1:13). Kingdoms operate differently:

One King—no voting, no amendments

His word equals law

Obedience is not delayed—it’s immediate

Serving Him is the highest form of honor, not sacrifice

To teach, lead, and disciple effectively, we must first recover the reality of Christ’s kingship.

Earthly Kings as a Shadow—Nebuchadnezzar’s Lesson

Scripture gives us examples of earthly kings whose authority reshaped entire cultures. Consider Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel:

He relocated people, changed their names, taught them a new language and culture—without consultation.

He demanded complete compliance. Disobedience meant fire or lions, not discussion.

His authority—though flawed and temporary—was total.

If this was the power of a mortal king, how much more should we revere the commands of the eternal King, whose wisdom is perfect and whose rule is just?

The Great Commission—An Honor, Not a Burden

The Great Commission is not a fundraising slogan or missionary option. It is a royal decree. And obedience is not costly—it is glorious.

Missionary David Livingstone said it well:
“If a commission by an earthly king is considered an honor, how can a commission by a heavenly king be considered a sacrifice?”

To teach, disciple, write curricula, parent, or evangelize is not performing religious duties—it is executing the policies of Heaven’s government on Earth.

Why This Matters to Educators

For Christian educators, this changes everything:

Teaching is not just a career—it is kingdom assignment.

Classrooms are not neutral—they are territories of influence under the King’s jurisdiction.

Every subject—science, literature, history, art—belongs to Him and must be taught with truth shaped by His character.

When we see ourselves as ambassadors of a Kingdom rather than employees of a school, teaching becomes worship, and education becomes discipleship.