In The Margins

Colossians 1:15–23
The Supremacy of Christ Leads to Reconciliation

Paul paints a powerful picture of who Jesus really is in Colossians 1. Each verse builds on the last, like bricks forming a strong foundation. By the end, you see a breathtaking truth: Christ is supreme, and His supremacy leads to our reconciliation with God.

Christ’s Authority (vv. 15–17)
Paul begins by declaring that Jesus is “the image of the invisible God.” If you want to know what God is like, look at Jesus. He isn’t just similar to God—He is God in the flesh. Paul goes further, saying that everything in heaven and on earth was created by Him, through Him, and for Him. Not only did Jesus create everything, but He also holds it all together. Your life, the universe, every atom—none of it continues without Him. His authority is over all things.

So what does that mean for us? If Jesus truly holds everything together, then He knows how to hold your life together, too. Why look anywhere else for meaning or purpose when the Creator Himself offers it?

Christ’s Role (vv. 18–20)
Jesus is not only supreme in creation—He is also supreme in redemption. Paul says He is “the head of the body, the church.” Through His resurrection, Jesus proved His authority over death. Verse 19 reminds us that “God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him.” That fullness led Him to the cross, where His blood brought peace.

This matters for us because the world constantly tells you to put yourself at the center of everything. But Christ shows us a better way. Following Him means reflecting God’s character, even when it’s not easy—like forgiving when you don’t feel like it, or being kind to someone others overlook. When you model your life after Christ, you are pleasing to God.

Christ’s Reconciliation (vv. 21–23)
Paul then makes it personal: “Once you were alienated… but now He has reconciled you by His physical body through His death.” Our sin separated us from God, but through Jesus, we are made holy, faultless, and blameless. That’s not something we earned—it’s a gift we received.

Paul adds a challenge: remain grounded and steadfast in the faith. Why? Because our hearts often drift from the truth of the gospel. But reconciliation is God’s work from beginning to end. He keeps pulling us back to Himself.

The Big Picture
The supremacy of Christ isn’t just a big theological idea—it changes everything. He created you, He leads His church, and He reconciled you to God. Your role? Trust Him, stay grounded in the gospel, and give Him first place in your life.

Reflective Questions:

If Jesus really holds everything together—including your life—what would it look like to trust Him with the things that feel out of control right now?

Where are you most tempted to put yourself at the center instead of giving Christ first place?

Paul says Jesus reconciled us to God. How does knowing you are holy and blameless in Him change the way you see yourself and others?

Further Reading and study: Matthew 9:1-8