The Big Picture

Introduction

Colossians 1:15–20 “15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 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. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”

Ephesians is a letter of Paul, and considered one of several letters written while imprisoned

among other things, he seeks to address the divisions between Jews and Gentiles in the fledgling church, and tries to bring peace by helping all sides to see that Christ is the center of all

Gives a view of Jesus to which we need to pay attention

Creator

vv. 15-16 - While we typically think of Genesis 1-2 as the account of Creation, but Paul add an interesting dynamic in that Jesus is at the center

It is common knowledge—if not aggravating some—that God created both the seen and unseen world

Sustainer

v. 17 - Jesus also holds everything together

without his watchful eye and his mighty hand, the universe would come apart at the seams

He wrote the rules on how the universe works, and he has the right to override them at will

Ruler

vv. 18-19 - Jesus is the head of the church, first among the resurrected, and fully God

From beginning to end, Jesus is King

Redeemer

v. 20 - by dying for the very ones he created, Jesus created a path for peace to return between God and mankind

Jesus’ work through the cross and resurrection purchased or redeemed mankind

his offer for salvation is to everyone

Conclusion

When we see the big picture, we see that Jesus is the beginning, the middle, and the end of everything. Everything came from him, and it’s all for him

It’s all about Jesus