“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 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. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 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. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 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.”

“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.” (Colossians 1:15-23)

The Image of the Invisible Jesus is the image of the invisible God. Somehow, through the mystery of God’s miraculous and infinite power, in Jesus, we literally see the fullness of the invisible God.

“ All ”, “ Every ” and “ First ” The words “every” and “all” help us to understand the scope or the completeness of who Jesus is and what He has done, while the word “first” establishes His position or primacy. There is not an inch of territory over which Christ does not reign fully, completely, absolutely, eternally.

Vs. 15-17: Jesus is supreme over creation Jesus is referred to as the “firstborn over all creation”, signifying priority and rank. Jesus as the “firstborn over all creation” communicates His ownership and leadership over all of God’s creation. All things – all possible things imaginable – were created in, through and for Jesus Christ. Why do you think Paul specifically mentions “thrones, powers, rulers and authorities”?

Verses 18-20a: Jesus supreme over “new” creation All of creation was subject to death through sin, but through His death and resurrection, Jesus proved His supremacy over all things – over the fullness of the coming new creation. Just as Jesus was supreme over what was – the initial creation – He is supreme over what is – the yet but not yet of our world - and what is coming – the new redeemed and glorified creation.

Vs. 20b-23: Jesus is supreme in reconciliation Through Jesus’ shed blood, Christ has reconciled to himself “all things”. All things? “… at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” (Philippians 2:10) “… to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven.” (Colossians 1:20) Whereas all three realms will one day recognize Christ’s supremacy, reconciliation will only be experienced in two. Our focus then ought to be inclusion in this new creation. IN HEAVEN ON EARTH UNDER THE EARTH

“if [we] continue in [our] faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel”. (Colossians 1:23) It is not our righteous acts that save us, but our “walking in a way worthy of the Lord” that evidences the truthfulness of our faith in Jesus. We know that we are saved, when we live as those who are saved, producing good fruit, growing in knowledge of Jesus, increasing in patience and resilience, and expressing joyful thankfulness to God.

A Great Commission Remix “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you”. (Matthew 28:18-20) Because I reign supreme, go into my territory which our enemy has invaded and release those held captive there by my authority, proclaiming, teaching and living out my Good News.

A Blessing Might we boldly acknowledge Jesus as supreme – in creation, in re-creation, in reconciliation and in our lives – and might we be able to celebrate ever shrinking numbers among those “under the earth”, as we commit to proclaiming, teaching and living out the good news of Jesus day by day.