The Cross | and What It Means for Fallen HumanitySample

The supreme King of all creation is also the humble Savior who calls us to Himself, offering us peace, purpose, and eternal hope.

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 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. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 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. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Colossians 1:15–20

R E F L E C T

What would you do if a known, powerful king, dressed in splendor and majesty, suddenly knocked at your door? Would you let him in and give him your full attention? What if the same king appeared, but instead of being dressed as a powerful ruler looked like a humble servant? Would you recognize him and let him in?

Paul proclaims that the one who came to be with us is no ordinary king. He is the image of the invisible God, revealing the fullness of God’s nature to humanity. He is the firstborn of all creation, not as one created but as the one who holds authority over all. Through Him, all things came into existence—whether in heaven or on earth, visible or invisible. In Him all things hold together. He reigns supreme over all other gods, philosophies, and rulers. His glory is unparalleled, His power infinite, and His rule absolute. His name is Jesus, and He is the sovereign King of kings and Lord of lords over all creation, over the physical and spiritual.

Paul gave a breathtaking picture of the majesty and supremacy of Jesus Christ not to overwhelm us with His power but to call us into a deeper understanding of the magnitude of His love for us. He explains that this majestic God—the Creator and sustainer of the universe—humbled Himself to live among men. He stepped into His creation, took on human flesh, and endured an excruciating death to pay for the sins of the very people who had rejected Him. His sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate demonstration of His love and grace. He gave His life to reconcile us to Himself, restoring the relationship broken by sin. The supreme King of all creation is also the humble Savior who calls us to Himself, offering us peace, purpose, and eternal hope.

To such overwhelming love, worship is the only appropriate response. He deserves nothing less than wholehearted surrender. It means setting aside everything else we look to for hope and security. Jesus is sufficient. We owe our complete devotion, trust, and allegiance to no one else but Him.

Whether dressed as a powerful King or a humble servant, Jesus holds all power and authority. When we let Him in and allow Him to have His way in us, we will experience His transforming power at work in our lives.

R E S P O N D

• Jesus is the supreme Lord over all creation, yet often we are devoted to other things. Where is your devotion? How can you look to Jesus for hope, security, or purpose? What do you need to surrender to Him to give Him your full allegiance?

• Jesus deserves our worship and adoration. What does worship look like in your daily life? As a response to His love, how can you be more intentional in worshiping Him every day?

• In difficult moments, do you focus on your circumstances or do you fix your eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for your sake? How can His sacrifice strengthen your resolve to press on, especially when you feel like giving up?

Lord Jesus,

You are the image of God, the King of all, yet You humbled Yourself to live among us and die for us. Forgive me for relying on the world’s ways and placing my hope in things or people other than You. I surrender these things to You and give You my full allegiance. Help me remember who You are, no matter the circumstances, and show me what I need to lay down to follow You. In times of difficulty, help me keep my eyes on You, drawing strength from Your sacrifice. May my life reflect Your majesty, love, and grace as I worship and surrender to You.

Amen.