This reading concludes our focus on who Jesus is. How fitting that it would focus on the supremacy of Jesus. According to Webster’s Thesaurus, “supreme” is an adjective describing someone or something as chief in command or of highest importance. Jesus is the sovereign, greatest, and utmost of all things.
These verses affirm who Jesus is. Jesus reveals God to us. We can see the God of the universe simply by looking at Jesus’ life. “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.” God doesn’t have to seem so distant and uninvolved. Everything we already know about God we can say about Jesus. They are one and want to be known by us.
“Everything was created through him and for him.” Again, our picture of Jesus points toward his role in creation. Don’t rush past that last part. We were created “for” Jesus. What would Jesus want with us? What could we possibly have to offer Jesus? He made us to be in a relationship with him, to bring our worship and praise.
Verse 18 gives us yet another way to identify Jesus. “Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body.” We see ourselves in this description. As believers, known as the body of Christ, “we” are the church with Jesus as our leader. Jesus is the Supreme One in charge of all things. Those of us who love and trust Jesus unite to become his body, his church.
Jesus’ supremacy didn’t end with his sacrificial death on the cross. Even that moment had a place in God’s plan. God knew his wayward children, you and me, would need to find our way back to Him. The world and our own human weakness would allow sin to reside and fester, keeping us far from God and feeling alone.
Jesus was our rescue. “He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.” This peace is also known as reconciliation. We are made new, cleansed, and ready to meet God face to face one day in eternity. Jesus has done that for us. There is nothing we can do ourselves to make ourselves “right” with God. We owe our debt of thanks to Jesus for his sacrificial offering of love.
How does it make you feel to be introduced to Jesus as the Supreme One? We can’t help but feel humbled by His majesty. Rather than cower in fear over his authority, we must run into his open arms of love.
Let’s pray. Father, I am so thankful that you revealed yourself to me in your son, Jesus. My mind can’t even comprehend your majesty, and yet you thought of me. Help me never forget what you have done for me. Empower me to share this message with others and always have a grateful heart, no matter my circumstances. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
