It Starts Small

¹⁵ The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. ¹⁶ For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. ¹⁷ He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸ And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. ¹⁹ For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, ²⁰ and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Colossians 1:15-20

image of the invisible God

What does it truly mean that Jesus is the image of God? In the splendid narrative of Genesis, we discover that humanity is created IN the image of our Creator. This profound truth signifies that we share remarkable traits with God. We possess morals that guide us. There are emotions that stir our souls. We have a will that drives us and an intellect that seeks understanding. Yet, when we proclaim that Jesus IS the image of God, we declare something astonishing. He is not merely a reflection. He is the very essence of God Himself! They are woven from the same divine fabric. Jesus is the glorious manifestation of all that God embodies. He radiates omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotence, unchanging nature, justice, love, compassion, holiness, and more. God the Father possesses no qualities or powers that Jesus the Son lacks. Those who beheld Jesus beheld the Father (John 14:9). He is Emmanuel—God with us, igniting our hearts with His divine presence.

We are unable to see God the Father on this earth, and this inability stirs a profound curiosity within us. Who is God, truly? What would His actions reflect? How would He react in the myriad of life’s challenges? When Jesus came to earth, He didn’t just answer those questions—He illuminated them with His presence! He revealed the very essence of God. He showed exactly what our Creator is like. He demonstrated how He would respond with love, compassion, and unwavering grace.

the firstborn over all creation.

This phrase has bewildered countless sincere Christians throughout the ages. Tragically, it has also been weaponized by deceivers who propagate the falsehood that Jesus is a created being. Yet, the rest of Scripture resounds with unmistakable clarity, affirming that Jesus is eternal (John 1, Colossians 1:16).

⁵⁸ “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!”

John 8:58

Jesus boldly asserts His existence long before His own “before.” This declaration echoes through time itself. It stretches back even before Abraham. This profound statement is not merely an assertion of existence; it is a powerful claim to the divine, to eternality! The Jews recognized the weight of His words. In their fervor, they sought to silence Him immediately after He proclaimed this truth.

The key to unlocking the profound meaning of this passage in Colossians lies in grasping the true essence of the term “firstborn.” Understanding this essence is crucial. In our culture, it simply denotes the one who enters the world first. However, in the rich tapestry of Middle Eastern culture, the firstborn represents much more. It is a majestic title. This title designates priority and rank above all others. Consider the moment when Jacob secured Esau’s birthright. This was not merely a transfer of possessions. It was the elevation of status. Jacob claimed the honor of the firstborn, despite being the younger sibling. By proclaiming Jesus as the firstborn of creation, we aren’t just acknowledging His place. We are celebrating His unparalleled sovereignty over all that exists. This declaration emphasizes His supremacy, standing in glorious majesty over the entirety of creation!

²⁷ And I will appoint him to be my firstborn,
    the most exalted of the kings of the earth.

Psalms 89:27

He has all authority (Matthew 28). He is the Lord of the universe.

For in him all things were created

In Genesis, we are powerfully reminded that God created the heavens and the earth. But hold on—this message transcends mere words. We discover in John 1:1-4 and Ephesians 3:9 that Jesus was the very force behind that creation. Do these passages contradict each other? Absolutely not! Rather, they fervently affirm the divine truth that Jesus is indeed God. They illuminate the incredible unity of the Father and the Son in glorious harmony.

In Genesis 1:26, God declares, “Let us make man in our image.” This unveils a profound truth that echoes through the ages. The concept of the Trinity is intricately woven into the fabric of Creation. From the very beginning, we witness a divine collaboration that would be revealed more vividly in the future. While some verses exalt the Father’s role in Creation (Exodus 20:11, Psalm 33:6), others illuminate the Son’s magnificent contribution. We reach a powerful conclusion. Both the Father and the Son joined together in this magnificent act of creation!

and for him

These three powerful words ignite a fervent addendum to this treatise on creation and Christ. Through these words, we seize the magnificent purpose behind the world’s creation. It wasn’t merely sculpted for our enjoyment, even though God yearns for us to revel in its beauty. It wasn’t formed solely for our consumption, yet we are free to taste its incredible wonders. It wasn’t crafted just for humanity, despite our status as the pinnacle of all of God’s wondrous creations. No, it was ultimately birthed for Himself, a breathtaking testament to His sovereignty and splendor. Have you ever poured your heart into something just for yourself? If so, what was it? Christ has fashioned this world ultimately and primarily for His own glory and pure delight.

Sometimes, having a master who acts solely for his own amusement can lead to dire consequences. Consider the plight of a dog. It suffers under the hand of a cruel master. This master only purchased it to inflict pain and torment. In stark contrast, a benevolent master cherishes the dog, nourishes it, trains it, and provides a loving home. While God has indeed crafted this magnificent world for His own glory, He never overlooks our needs. He has intricately designed this world. He has also designed our very beings. This ensures we experience boundless joy. We find profound fulfillment as we offer Him the utmost glory. It’s a glorious win-win scenario!

Are you truly living your life for Him? In what areas are you still holding back for your own desires? What transformations must you make to surrender fully to Him? Have you recognized deep within your heart that you were magnificently created to serve God? Or do you find yourself resisting this divine calling? Are you ready to wholeheartedly embrace His purpose, no matter how challenging the path may be? Take a moment. Write down the bold steps you will take in the coming week. Live fervently for Him.

He is before all things

Jesus stands unrivaled above all else in this world; He holds the utmost priority in our hearts and lives. His preeminence demands our reverence, and we must honor Him in every aspect. Romans 12:2 calls us to be living sacrifices for the Lord. This is a profound commitment. It reflects our devotion. Our lives will present countless moments requiring crucial decisions. Two competing forces will vie for our attention in each moment. We are called to choose with our hearts devoted to Him.

Is Christ truly the centerpiece of your existence? Are there distractions that overshadow His significance? If so, what must you confront to ensure your life and priorities align with the profound truth of this passage? Embrace the challenge and let your heart be ignited by His presence!

In Him all things hold together

In previous verses, we discovered that Jesus is the magnificent Creator of everything around us. The entire universe, with all its wonders, was brought into existence by Him. But His profound relationship with this world goes far beyond mere creation. He didn’t simply ignite the spark. He did not step back, allowing human choices and the natural laws He established to run rampant. Those who subscribe to the notion of theistic evolution often make this grave mistake. They believe that while God was intricately involved at the beginning, He then relinquished control to the forces of nature. However, we learn here that in Him, all things hold together with divine purpose and power. This revelation assures us that He remains intimately engaged in every aspect of life. He prevents our world from spiraling into utter chaos and disorder.

How does He do this?

Governments are divinely appointed to uphold order and justice, guided by the sacred purpose instilled in them by God. Marriage and family values form the bedrock of our societies, a powerful glue that unites us in love and purpose. The profound teachings of the Bible are mighty shields against sin. The inspiring influence of the Holy Spirit fosters a sense of moral responsibility in our hearts. Natural laws—like gravity’s unwavering pull and the rhythmic dance of the wind cycles—are crafted by His hand. They are forever subject to His divine will and wisdom.

On an even deeper level, the mysteries of the universe leave scientists in awe. They grapple with the enigma of what binds the fundamental building blocks of creation—the atom. Electrons, in their dance, should repel each other, yet they remain united at close distances. It’s a profound conundrum. Why do these essential components of existence cling together? Why don’t they fly apart and shatter the cosmos? In their relentless pursuit, scientists seek the elusive “God particle.” They believe it is the key to understanding this cosmic glue. Yet it remains hidden. Regardless of the particle’s existence, one truth prevails. Christ powerfully holds this world together. He weaves the fabric of reality with divine purpose.

Without Him, chaos would rage, and the very essence of life would falter. From the dawn of time, it was God who infused man with the sacred breath of life. This incredible gift is wrapped in mystery, something we cannot replicate or fully fathom. Can we, mere mortals, accomplish what God began? We struggle to grasp it, let alone carry it forward. Every new soul entering this world is a profound enigma. It compels us to fall to our knees in gratitude. We thank the Lord for this awe-inspiring gift of life. We earnestly pray that He will nurture that life, as well as our own, with unwavering grace.

 And he is the head of the body, the church

Christ reigns supreme over the entire universe, and His authority extends profoundly over the church itself. The cosmos was brought into existence through Him and for Him. Likewise, the church was intricately crafted through Him and for Him. This is not merely a simple truth; it is a vital declaration of His sovereignty! The true head of the church transcends any individual. A prophet, pastor, or charismatic leader, no matter how dynamic, cannot claim this role. Nor can any organization or institution, including governments, assume this power. When a government attempts to exert control over the church, it is egregiously usurping the authority of Christ! Just as we cannot serve two masters, neither can the church simultaneously serve both God and government. This is why accepting governmental control can plunge a church into turmoil and strife! No denomination or leader holds dominion over the church; there is but one head, and it is Christ! This does not diminish the significance of leaders. Those appointed in biblical ways play a crucial role. Christ uses them to shepherd and guide this vast and glorious body!

¹⁷ Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.

Hebrews 13:17

We are called to honor and submit to our leaders with fervor! This situation is like a devoted parent entrusting their beloved younger children. These children are to follow the guidance of the eldest sibling during the parent’s absence. The younger ones must obey, not because of any intrinsic authority of the oldest. They comply entirely due to the unwavering command from the parent. The parent possesses all the authority and love over their children.

The church and everyone within it are devoted to Christ alone, not to any individual among us. This is not my church, my fellowship, my disciple, or my convert as if they were possessions to claim. They do not belong to me! Since they are Christ’s alone, how can we truly manifest this profound truth in our attitudes and actions?

He is the beginning

He existed from the beginning. But even more than that, He is the beginning for us.

¹³ I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

Revelation 22:13

He is the very heartbeat of this world. He is the essence of our physical existence. He is the spark igniting our spiritual journey. He embodies the primal force, the first cause—what theology reverently describes as the “uncaused” cause.

The firstborn from the dead

(See 1 Corinthians 15:20 and 15:22.) It is through the miraculous resurrection of Christ from the dead that we absolutely know we too shall rise again one day! His victorious new life boldly guarantees our own new life. He stands as undeniable proof. The glorious promise of eternal life and salvation is not just a dream. It is a profound reality. 1 Corinthians 15 makes it clear passionately. If Christ had not triumphed over death, then our hope is extinguished. Our faith is rendered utterly meaningless. His resurrection is the powerful lynchpin that binds together the entire gospel and fulfills every precious promise within it!

so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 

We have already witnessed the undeniable truth that Jesus stands before all things, reigning supreme as the utmost authority. He is not just significant; He is everything. Yet, a heartbreaking chasm often lies between the reality of His magnificence. The way it is perceived by the world differs greatly. Though Christ is the Creator of this universe, many people fail to recognize His divine hand at work. This number is staggering. Even as He sustains the very fabric of our existence, many remain oblivious to this incredible truth. Despite being the rightful ruler of all, countless souls resist yielding to His sovereignty and recognizing Him as their King.

This powerful verse conveys a magnificent truth. One glorious day, the chasm between the true nature of Jesus and the world’s perception of Him will be forever closed. We will behold Him as He truly is (1 John 3:2), radiant and majestic! Philippians 2:10-11 emphasizes this point. It proclaims that, in the future, every individual will bow before Christ. Everyone will confess Him as Lord. He is indeed the Lord right now! Yet, some choose to turn a blind eye to this truth. Even those who acknowledge Him often fail to live in a way that reflects His sovereignty.

to reconcile to himself all things

Verse 19-20–Jesus’ mission on earth was not just a mere happenstance. It was divinely ordained by God the Father. He envisioned Him as the God-man, Emmanuel. The Son of Man was destined for greatness. He was not merely a vessel, a teacher, or a prophet blessed with unique gifts. He was to be the living embodiment of God Himself! Why? The reason is profound. Jesus came to reconcile all things to Himself. This monumental task required Him to step into our shoes and represent us. To save us, He embraced a sinless, divine nature, making Him the ultimate peacemaker. He willingly sacrificed His life to forge peace between us and God, a breathtaking act of love and redemption!

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Cross-References

• Ephesians 1:22
• 1 Corinthians 11:3
• John 3:31
• John 13:13
• Romans 14:9

On the divinity of Jesus:

• Hebrews 1:8
• John 1:1
• Colossians 2:9

Discussion Questions

• Who is the “He” in verse 15?
• What is the main point of this next passage (15-20)?
• Why is it important to know all of these things about Christ?
• What does it mean that “He is the image of the invisible God?”
• What does it mean that He is the “firstborn of creation?”
• Does that mean Jesus was created?
• How can it be that by Jesus everything was created when Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth?”
• Is there anything invisible which has been created? If so, what?
• What were all of these things created for?
• What are you created for?
• Is most of God’s creation intentionally fulfilling the purpose for which it was created?
• How should the fact that you were created “for Him” impact your life?
• In what way is Jesus “before all things?”
• Why is it important that Jesus is the head of church?
• What impact should this have on your church?
• Explain verse 19 in your own words.
• Who did Jesus make peace with on the cross?
• From seeing the exalted Christ in this passage, how should you respond?
• What do you need to do to begin to treat Christ in the exalted way which He deserves?

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