Our scripture this morning is Colossians 1:15-20.
Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.
Paul writes to the Colossians regarding Jesus, that “through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth”. John 1:3 echoes this truth, stating “God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.” Paul wants us all to understand Jesus isn’t an afterthought, He was with God always and was given the task of coming to earth to show us how much God loves His children.
History tells us that this letter was written around 61 AD during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome. Even in this difficult situation, Paul continues to uphold his faith, teaching that our connection to Jesus is essential in everything we do. Paul saw Jesus not only as the divine Lamb of God, but as a personal friend, present in his time of trouble.
How do you see Jesus? He is indeed our Savior, but also our brother with knowledge of what it is to be human and frail. Jesus feels everything we do and knows all our joys and sorrows. In Him we see our example of full humanity and the promise of eternal life.
Gracious God, we are grateful for the gift of Jesus Christ who came to save us. May we be more like Him as we go in Your name to share Your love in the world. Amen.