… so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
Summary: Paul finishes this verse with a statement that Jesus has supremacy in all things. What this means includes a picture of life and a portrait of death.
Paul’s perspective on Jesus is stunningly clear. He stood in the middle of the road on the way to Damascus, blinded by the light (Acts 9:3). The light of the living Lord Jesus never left him.
In the last four verses, Paul has described Jesus as:
• The image (meaning physical representation) of God.
• Firstborn over all creation.
• All things were created through him.
• All things were created for him.
• The head of the body.
• The head of the church.
• And finally, firstborn among the dead. Paul concludes his description of Jesus with these words: “… so that in everything he [Jesus] might have the supremacy.”
Think about what this means.
To be the physical representation of God is a statement of fact. So is being “firstborn over all creation.” To say “all things have been created through him” is another fact.
Jesus is God, and God created all things beginning with Jesus.
I believe this statement to be true, but I do not understand how it is possible. What I do know is that my spiritual experience is limited. Like a blind man feeling his way through a room, I grope through the spiritual realm, only aware of what God shows me directly or what I bump into by accident. So, it is okay if I do not understand everything there is to know about the spiritual realm.
Why were all these things done? Why create anything?
Paul explains that all things were created for Jesus. Apparently, he needed a body. God’s answer was to create one out of billions of souls. The problem was that Satan corrupted creation and tricked Adam and Eve into rebelling against God. In death, they and all who followed them become “the dead.”
To rescue us from Satan’s dominion of death, all Jesus had to do was die.
For his death to have meaning, it had to be a sacrificial death (Hebrews 9:22). Instead of a painless death, it had to be painful.
Why?
The prophet Isaiah wrote, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5) The pain Jesus suffered somehow brings us healing and peace.
Jesus’ suffering at the hands of the Romans also shows us a picture of hell. After being falsely accused by the Pharisees, Jesus was flogged (Mark 15:15), mocked and humiliated (John 19:2-3), and forced to carry his own cross (Mark 15:21). He was parched with thirst (John 19:28) and forsaken (Matthew 27:46).
The suffering he endured shows us a picture of what eternity apart from God is like. The fact that Jesus rose from the grave, firstborn among the dead, shows us a picture of what it means to be saved.
Application: Ponder what Jesus saved us from.
Food for Thought: What does the fact that Jesus has supremacy over all things tell us about the Kingdom of God?
What does the fact that Jesus has supremacy over all things tell us about the Kingdom of God?
That He loves us so much that He was willing to leave it all to come down to our level and serve us sinners to save us.
Hi Tim!
You said a mouthful!
Yes, imagine the difference between being on the throne of all Creation and then taking off your royal robes and walking among the poor, the sick, and the sinners of the earth, all the while your representatives on earth, the Pharisees, are growing jealous and plotting your torture and death.
We are loved, indeed!
What does the fact that Jesus has supremacy over all things tell us about the Kingdom of God?
I thought a lot about this question. I landed on this:
The fact that Jesus has supremacy over all things tell us that, through Him, the Kingdom of God is given to those that would receive it. Receiving it would be recognizing our sinful nature, believing in His death and resurrection, placing our faith in Him, and making Him Lord of our life.
Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Matthew 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Ephesians 2:19-20 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.
Sorry, forgot to put my name again.
Well said, Chris!
It is such an interesting topic and your take on this is spot on.
What does the fact that Jesus has supremacy over all things tell us about the Kingdom of God?
Colossians 1:15-20 teaches Christ is the image of our invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
Hebrews 1:1-4 states God appointed Jesus as the heir of all things and through whom He made the universe. These verses, along with many others, firmly establish the supremacy of Christ.
These truths mean nothing occurs in our lives that Jesus Christ is not fully aware of and has His approval as the fulfillment of every detail of His plan for all mankind is taking place now.
Matthew 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.
We live, exist in Gods Kingdom, where every event is foreknown, preordained by God prior to creation. We are each a small part of, a brief moment in His perfect plan for all mankind. We are not on earth to judge the fulfillment of God’s plan for all mankind, but as believers, we are called to live in peace with God as Christ in us ministers to those experiencing the sorrows of a loss during this brief time we have on earth.
Thank you, Ron.
Your answer touches my heart today.
Yes, we are called to live in peace with God, and yes, he does minister to us. He also “refreshes my soul” (Psalm 23:3).
Our God is amazing!