Colossians 1:15-28
The Apostle Paul’s words in Colossians 1:15–28 take us into one of the most profound and awe-inspiring truths in the Christian faith: that Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God. In a world filled with questions about identity, power, and truth, Paul offers clarity by proclaiming that all things—seen and unseen—were created through Christ, and in Him, all things hold together.
He is before all things. He is not just the firstborn from the dead, but the firstborn over all creation. That doesn’t mean He was created first, but that He holds the highest rank. He is preeminent. He is supreme. He is not only above creation—He is the very source of it. Thrones, powers, rulers, and authorities—whether in heaven or on earth—were created by Him and for Him.
Paul writes this letter to the Colossians while imprisoned in Rome. Unlike the churches in Ephesus or Philippi, which Paul himself planted, the church in Colossae was started by Epaphras, one of Paul’s fellow workers. Paul had never visited Colossae, yet his letter is filled with love and urgency, as if he personally knew the people. That is the heart of a true apostle—a shepherd who sees all believers as one family, united by Christ.
In 2023, my wife and I had the blessing of visiting several of these ancient biblical sites. Though many of them lie in ruins today, walking through Ephesus and standing in places where Paul likely preached brought Scripture to life. Colossae, located about 100 miles East of Ephesus, doesn’t have visible ruins today, but its legacy remains powerful through Paul’s letter.
Epaphras visited Paul in prison and shared how the church in Colossae was growing. Yet, with growth came challenges. People from diverse cultural backgrounds brought their own philosophies and religious ideas into the church, causing confusion—especially regarding the divine nature of Christ. Was He truly God, or just a great teacher or prophet? Paul’s answer is clear and bold: Christ is the visible image of the invisible God, the fullness of God in human form.
This is not merely a theological concept—it is deeply personal. Jesus didn’t just come to represent God; He came to reveal God. Before Christ, people had glimpses of God through the Law, the prophets, and various revelations. But in Christ, we see God fully. He is not just a messenger—He is the message.
If you’ve ever been told that your child or grandchild looks just like you, you know the feeling of seeing your image reflected in someone else. Paul uses that same idea here. Jesus is not simply similar to God—He is the exact imprint of His nature. He is the exegesis of God, the unfolding, the revealing of the One whom no eye had seen.
We too are made in the image of God. Genesis tells us that humanity was created in God’s image—not a physical image, but a spiritual one. Through sin, that image was marred. We inherited something from Adam that we didn’t get from God—our sin nature. But Christ came to restore what was lost.
So when we look in the mirror, do we see ourselves, or do we see the image of God reflected in us? That’s the call of the Christian life—to live in such a way that God’s nature is evident in our character, in our love, in our compassion, and in our patience.
I remember being in a fitting room once, where mirrors were placed in such a way that I could see myself from every angle. It was uncomfortable but revealing. That’s what Scripture does—it shows us a three-dimensional view of who we are and who we’re called to be. Paul’s letter to the Colossians is like that. It invites us to reflect: Are we living lives that mirror the image of Christ?
Paul continues in his letter by proclaiming that Christ is not only the image of God but also the fullness of God. In Him, all the fullness of the deity dwells. We don’t need to add anything to Jesus. We don’t need extra rituals, philosophies, or teachings. Christ is enough. He is the complete revelation of God.
This fullness of Christ is what brings reconciliation. Through His blood shed on the cross, peace has been made between God and humanity. Once alienated, we are now brought near. Once enemies in our minds because of evil behavior, we are now holy in His sight, without blemish, and free from accusation—if we continue in faith, rooted and grounded in the hope of the Gospel.
Paul writes with joy about his own suffering, seeing it not as a burden but a privilege—for the sake of the body, the church. He has been commissioned to present the word of God in its fullness, to reveal the mystery that was hidden for generations: Christ in us, the hope of glory.
This mystery is no longer hidden. It is revealed in every heart that accepts Christ as Lord and Savior. It is not inherited through lineage or passed down like an heirloom. As I’ve often said, God has only children—no grandchildren. Every person must make that decision for themselves.
Paul’s goal is clear: to present everyone fully mature in Christ. Maturity doesn’t come through age or experience alone—it comes through relationship. We grow as we remain connected to the source, who is Christ Himself.
The biggest challenge we face today isn’t financial instability or political division—it is sin. And Christ has already conquered that. Through His death and resurrection, we are redeemed. The question is, are we living like redeemed people? Do others see the image of the invisible God in us?
A story comes to mind about a family driving home after a baptism service. Their young son was sobbing in the backseat. When asked why, he replied, “The priest said he wanted us to be brought up in a Christian home. But I want to stay with you guys.” Children are watching. The world is watching. They’re not just listening to our sermons—they’re reading our lives.
So let us live in a way that reveals Christ. In our schools, in our workplaces, in our homes—may we look like Jesus. Because the world doesn’t just need another philosophy. It needs to see the image of the invisible God reflected in the lives of His people.
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