Jesus: First, Last, and Everything Between
Daily Scripture
Colossians 1:15-20
15 The Son is the image of the invisible God,
the one who is first over all creation,
16 Because all things were created by him:
both in the heavens and on the earth,
the things that are visible and the things that are invisible.
Whether they are thrones or powers,
or rulers or authorities,
all things were created through him and for him.
17 He existed before all things,
and all things are held together in him.
18 He is the head of the body, the church,
who is the beginning,
the one who is firstborn from among the dead
so that he might occupy the first place in everything.
19 Because all the fullness of God was pleased to live in him,
20 and he reconciled all things to himself through him—
whether things on earth or in the heavens.
He brought peace through the blood of his cross.
Daily Reflection & Prayer
The apostle Paul painted a stunning portrait of Jesus as the perfect image of God, the creator and sustainer of everything that exists, and the one who brings peace through his death on the cross. From the smallest particle to the largest galaxy, from the beginning of time to its end, Paul proclaimed Jesus as the one who creates, sustains, and redeems all things. This cosmic view of Jesus expressed one reason we need him—he holds all things together.
- Many scholars say Paul quoted the lyrics to an early Christian hymn in honor of Jesus. Rector Dick Lucas wrote, “If [Colossians 1:15-20] was a spiritual song along the lines of Colossians 3:16, it would make the teaching hymns of even a Charles Wesley appear lightweight.” * Read slowly and seriously through these verses, noting all the qualities and actions of Jesus they name. Which of them mean the most to you? Which of them would you like to understand better?
- These verses described Jesus as “the image of the invisible God,” showing us exactly what God is like. “The more they get to know, and know about, Jesus Christ, the more they will understand who the true God is and what he’s done; who they are as a result; and what it means to live in and for him.” ** When you look at Jesus, what is one specific way could you better reflect God’s character today through your words or actions?
Prayer
Lord God, you are so much grander and greater than I am—yet you want me to know you. Thank you for coming in Jesus to show me a clear image of what you are like. Amen.
GPS Insights
Jennifer Creagar
Jennifer Creagar serves as the Community Assistance Coordination Director in Resurrection's Congregational Care Ministry. She is married and loves spending time with her family, and she enjoys writing and photography.
Reading through Colossians 1:15-20 is a bit like standing far away from city lights at night, looking up and the stars, and feeling overwhelmed by the beauty and vastness of God’s creation. It can be hard to stretch our minds to comprehend it all.
A long, long time ago, when I was a teenaged new believer and often confused and overwhelmed by descriptions like this, a very wise man told us, “If you are confused, look at Jesus. See what he says and what he does. Let his life, death, and resurrection show you what you need to know and how you need to live.” It was the best advice I’ve ever gotten to help me focus and understand the wonder of “the image of the invisible God, the one who is first over all creation.” Jesus, who walked among the people, showing us how to live, love, and please God. Jesus who didn’t focus on the high and mighty, but on the fishermen, tax collectors, a woman standing alone at the well, or the sick crying out for healing. The Son of God, who held all of creation, and walked through this world so that we could see what it means and how we were meant to live. Jesus, who died on the cross to reconcile the earth and the heavens and bring us peace.
When the words seem complicated and overwhelming, look at Jesus.
Lord God, thank you for beautiful descriptions that bring us to marvel at your power and glory, but thank you also for walking and teaching as the Son of God come to live among us and help us understand. Amen.
© 2024 Resurrection: A United Methodist Church. All Rights Reserved.
Scripture quotations are taken from The Common English Bible ©2011. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
References
* Dick Lucas, The Message of Colossians and Philemon: Fullness and Freedom. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1980, p. 46.
** Wright, N. T., Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon (The New Testament for Everyone) (p. 149). Westminster John Knox Press. Kindle Edition.
