Jesus at the Center
Why is Jesus so important to me? Colossians 1:15-20 begins to explain why.
There are passages in Scripture that feel like standing at the edge of the ocean. The deeper you look, the more overwhelming the majesty becomes. Colossians 1:15–20 is one of those passages. Paul reaches for the loftiest language imaginable to describe Jesus, and even then, the words almost seem insufficient. This text does not merely inform us about Jesus; it exalts him. It lifts our eyes upward and calls our hearts into worship.
Jesus is not simply important to Christianity. He is not merely a helpful teacher, a moral example, or even just the founder of our faith. Jesus is the center of all things. More than that, he is the circumference of all things. Everything begins with him, exists through him, and culminates in him.
The message of this passage is clear: Jesus is our Immanuel, the God who came near to us. He is supreme over all creation and worthy of our worship.
Jesus Reveals God
Paul begins with a staggering declaration:
“He is the image of the invisible God.” - Colossians 1:15
The word translated image is the Greek word eikon. It means more than resemblance. It means representation and manifestation. Jesus is not simply like God; Jesus is God, and Jesus reveals God. To see Jesus is to see the Father.
There is no loftier statement that could be made about Jesus. He is not merely God’s messenger. He is the visible revelation of the invisible God.
This truth stretches our understanding. The fullness of God is revealed in Christ. The holiness of God, the love of God, the justice of God, the mercy of God, all of it is seen in Jesus. When Jesus speaks, God speaks. When Jesus acts, God acts.
That is why Scripture continually points us toward the supremacy of Jesus.
Philippians 2:9-11 declares: “For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Every knee. Every tongue. Every realm of creation. Jesus stands above it all.
Jesus Is the Agent of Creation
Paul continues by calling Jesus “the firstborn over all creation.” This phrase has often been misunderstood. It does not mean Jesus was created. Rather, it speaks of his supremacy, authority, and preeminence over creation.
Verse 16 clarifies the meaning unmistakably: “For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible…”
Jesus is the agent of creation itself.
John echoes the same truth: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created.” - John 1:1–3
Think about the magnitude of that reality. The one who formed the stars would one day wear a crown of thorns. The one who spoke galaxies into existence would allow nails to pierce his hands.
Acts 4 reminds us that God planned redemption before the foundations of the world. That means Jesus created all things, fully aware that he would ultimately suffer and die for his creation.
The Creator would die for the created.
There is no greater expression of love.
Jesus Holds All Things Together
Paul writes: “He is before all things, and by him all things hold together.” - Colossians 1:17
Not only did Jesus create all things, but all things exist for him and are sustained by him. Everything in creation finds its purpose in Christ.
Romans 11:36 says: “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”
This is why humanity finds its highest joy in glorifying God. The Westminster Catechism famously asks:
“What is the chief and highest end of man?”
And answers:
“Man’s chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever.”
We were made for him.
Paul’s phrase “hold together” carries the idea of being compacted, united, or sustained. In many ways, Christ is the very glue of existence.
Even creation itself reflects this reality. Scientists speak of the “strong force” within the atom, the force that holds the nucleus together. Without it, everything would fly apart. In a far greater and infinitely deeper way, Jesus is the world’s strong force. He sustains creation. He upholds the universe. He keeps our lives from collapsing under the weight of chaos.
Psalm 62 reminds us: “He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken.”
The world feels unstable at times. Nations rage. Cultures shift. Hearts break. Lives unravel. Yet Christ remains the sustaining center that holds all things together.
Jesus Is Supreme Over the Church
Paul then turns specifically to Christ’s relationship with his people:
“He is also the head of the body, the church.” - Colossians 1:18
The church belongs to Jesus. He is not merely associated with the church. He is its head, its cornerstone, its authority, and its foundation. The church does not exist to promote personalities, preferences, or programs. It exists to glorify Christ.
Ephesians 2:19-20 says: “Christ Jesus himself [is] the cornerstone.”
Everything in the church must orient itself around him. Paul also reminds us that Jesus is “the beginning, the firstborn from the dead.” Christ is supreme among the resurrected because he is the source of resurrection itself.
1 Corinthians 15:20-22 declares: “Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
Because Jesus lives, we have hope beyond the grave. Death does not have the final word. Sin does not have ultimate victory. Christ conquered the grave, and in him we will be made alive.
That is why Jesus alone is worthy of worship.
Paul says Christ came “to have first place in everything.” Not some things. Everything. There is no higher affection, no greater loyalty, and no more worthy object of worship than Jesus Christ.
Jesus Is Our Redeemer
Paul closes this section with breathtaking language: “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile everything to himself…” — Colossians 1:19-20
Everything God is dwells fully in Jesus. The fullness of divine love. The fullness of divine holiness. The fullness of divine mercy. All of it is present in Christ for one purpose: redemption.
Think about that. God did not love us from a distance. He stepped into creation personally. Jesus came to reconcile sinners to God through the blood of his cross.
Romans 5:8 says: “But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
And Jesus himself said: “No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.” - John 15:13
The cross is the ultimate revelation of both God’s holiness and God’s love. The Creator willingly gave himself for those who rebelled against him. That is the beauty of the gospel.
Jesus at the Center
The heart of Colossians 1 is not merely theological information. It is worship.
Paul wants us to see Jesus rightly so that we will treasure him fully.
Jesus is the image of God.
Jesus is the creator of all things.
Jesus is the sustainer of all things.
Jesus is the head of the church.
Jesus is the conqueror of death.
Jesus is the fullness of God.
Jesus is our redeemer.
He is before all things, above all things, and worthy of all things.
The Christian life is ultimately about bringing every part of our existence underneath the supremacy of Christ. Our worship, our families, our ambitions, our suffering, our joy, everything must revolve around him.
Because when Jesus is at the center, everything else finally finds its proper place.