… the firstborn over all creation.
Summary: Looking at the meaning of the word “firstborn” opens the door to a fascinating journey through the Bible.
Saying that someone is “the firstborn over all creation” says a lot … or nothing. After all, what does that even mean?
The idea of being “first born” carries with it a great deal of significance in Old Testament biblical terms. The firstborn son, in particular, inherits certain benefits and responsibilities (Deuteronomy 21:17). During the Exodus, when God liberated the Hebrews from the Egyptians, there was another consequence associated with being firstborn: death.
The Hebrews who followed God’s instructions for the first Passover were spared this consequence. Instead, the Lord required the Israelites to set aside (consecrate) all firstborn males as belonging to God (Exodus 13:1-2).
Eventually, the Lord lays claim to the tribe of the Levites in exchange for all the firstborn Hebrews (Numbers 3:11-13). The Levites, in turn, become the tribe that serves as the priests for Israel.
Connecting the dots, we see a pattern that illustrates God’s plan for all creation.
Jesus is the firstborn in the family of Mary and Joseph. They are not a family of material wealth, so there is nothing to inherit. Instead, Jesus offers us an inheritance of a different kind.
Instead of being tied to the priesthood associated with the old covenant, the Book of Hebrews establishes Jesus as a priest based on an older lineage that goes back to Melchizedek (Hebrews 7).
In addition to being God’s Son, Jesus is God’s firstborn Son. His inheritance, according to the old covenant, is a “double portion.” Being God’s Son, his inheritance includes both the physical realm and the spiritual (Matthew 28:18).
All of this brings us to a strange place.
Before he could come into his inheritance, Jesus had to die.
(Pause for a moment and think about that.)
What would you give your life for? If someone offered you an inheritance if you sacrificed your life, what would it take to get you to accept the offer?
In Jesus’ case, it was a simple proposition. Paul explains it this way:
“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.” (Galatians 4:4-5)
His inheritance is us! His kingdom is life. Not a life defined by the flesh and its corrupt idea of what is good and bad, but a life defined by God’s definition of good. By allowing his body to be killed, Jesus testifies to the superiority of the Spirit.
He is both the “New Covenant” in his blood (1 Corinthians 11:25) and the firstborn under the New Covenant.
Application: Love others as Jesus loves you.
Food for Thought: How does being the firstborn affect a person?
There are varying results from studies on this subject, but some common results are that first-born children feel they have to carry on the family lineage or “name” of the family, and in the cases where there are siblings, provide leadership within the family in the absence of or as a surrogate to the parents. They are often told to “help your brother, help your sister.” They are the first to get babysitting duty, and feel pressured to provide a good example.
How does this affect them? Stronger personalities in the sense of greater confidence or self-doubt. Being first-born seems to amplify certain characteristics. In both cases, many feel as if they were placed into a role without choice, that they may or may not accept.
This gives them a feeling of responsibility, sometimes wanted and sometimes unwanted.
The Bible gives us a different perspective of the first-born.
Genesis 49:3 “Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the first fruits of my strength, preeminent in dignity and preeminent in power.
This verse talks about a strong father passing strength, dignity, and power to the first born. Its not difficult to understand that the purpose in this is to propagate life. A lineage of sustainability.
This is what God, the Father, did through Christ, the Son.
Thank you, Chris!
I like the way you tied this back into the mediation!
Thanks for the devo brother. And CH, thanks for the comments on being a firstborn.
I was not a firstborn and this question has a lot to do with personal experience. I know that my firstborn definitely was a leader in our family and felt the weight of being a good example and caring for the other siblings. But outside of that I will leave this answer to others.
Thanks Rich!
I agree! Your have raised your kids well!!
One comment I will add is this:
As a firstborn myself and a father of a firstborn, I see where the first kids get to be experimented on. It is where new parents cut their parenting teeth and learn what works and what doesn’t. That can have an impact on a person! 🙂
(No deep theological point here, just an observation. 🙂 )
Thank you for your recent help Jeff.
How does being the firstborn affect a person?
My short answer is: They have a lot of practice directing, and looking out for their younger siblings which could increase their effectiveness as leaders. At the same time we see the youngest is used by God to care for the family with Joseph in Genesis 41:37-57, which tells us God can use the youngest to excel over and care for the rest.
1 Corinthians 8:6, Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
Colossians 1:16, For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
God has known each of us since before creation and is continuing to be involved with every detail of all He has ordained.
Wow! Hi Ron!
Glad to see you back! 🙂
How does being the firstborn affect a person?
From personal experience they feel entitled, deserving, more controlling, aroggent, abusive , ect… but that could also come from how they were raised. Sorry my family views aren’t the best and I’m trying to relearn everyday. I. Thankful for my spiritual family….. now who’s the firstborn in the spiritual family? Jesus???
Amen!!
Nicely said, Tim!!