Read:
Everyone who believes that Jesus died to pay for their sins is a life changed by Christ. What he’s done can’t be separated from who he is—and Paul gives us a powerful picture of both.
Jesus, the Son, is “the visible image of the invisible God.” In John 1, we read that the Word was with God at creation, the Word is God, and the Word (God) became flesh and lived among us. If we want to know what God is like—loving, merciful, just, and holy—we look at Jesus.
Jesus was present at creation. Everything was created through him, and everything was made for him. Ever wonder why you’re on earth? You may have your own unique calling, but we all have one shared purpose: to introduce others to Jesus and together fully follow him.
He also holds everything together. God didn’t just set the world in motion and then step back. He is always deeply and personally involved in everything. If God didn’t keep the earth spinning—literally—it would all blast apart.
Paul uses the imagery of a body to show that Jesus is our authority. We follow his words in Scripture and try to live like he lived. The world is constantly throwing lies, expectations, and opinions at us. We need to take these things back to Jesus and ask, Do these line up with what he said and did? If not, we follow him.
Who Jesus is: God.
What he’s done: die on the cross to reconcile us to God.
We were once separated from God because of our sin, but not anymore! Jesus made it possible to have a real relationship with God. And like any relationship, it takes time and intentionality to grow. Reading the Bible each day (like reading this Bible reading plan!) means you’re already on your way. We speak to God through prayer, and he speaks to us through the Bible. That’s how relationships are built.
Pray: Dear God, I want to know you more and more. Jesus, you are my authority, the one I follow. Strengthen my love for you, and help my life reflect your love for the world. Amen.