Whether you're religious or not, you probably have some idea of Jesus in your head. This section of Colossians will give you a more complete picture.
Talking Points:
- #1 Jesus Reveals the invisible God – In the physical, visible Jesus, we see all the characteristics of the spiritual, invisible God. Colossians 1:15
- #2 Jesus rules over creation – Jesus is sovereign over all of creation. This should make us revere him, but it should also give us great comfort because he is for us, not against us.
- #3 Everything was created through him – Jesus is not created, but creator. God the Father spoke, and Jesus was the agent who carried out creation of both heavenly and earthly things. Colossians 1:16
- #4 Everything was made for Jesus – Not only was Jesus active in creating everything, but everything was made for him. This means that the goal of creation is to glorify Jesus.
- #5 Jesus holds all creation together right now – He is not on the heavenly sidelines but is directly involved in the administration of everything. Colossians 1:17
- #6 Jesus is the head of the Church – The church, called Jesus’ “body,” is everyone in all of history who has ever trusted Jesus alone for their salvation and forgiveness. Colossians 1:18
- #7 Jesus reigns over death – Jesus defeated death when he went to the cross and was resurrected on the third day.
- #8 Jesus is fully God – Jesus isn’t “God Jr.” or “Diet God, Now with 0 Sugar!” He is God with a big “G.” Colossians 1:19
- #9 Jesus has the power to save you – Jesus alone has the power to save all of us. He made peace through his self-sacrifice on the cross. Colossians 1:20
- #10 Jesus has the desire to save you – Not only can Jesus save us, he wants to. Colossians 1:21-22
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What was your picture of Jesus when you were a kid? Where did that picture of Jesus come from?
- Read the list of statements about Jesus. Which one stands out to you most? Why?
- What is your overall impression of Jesus from this passage (Colossians 1:15-23)?
- Read Colossians 1:15. What can we learn about the character of God from Jesus?
- Read Colossians 1:16-17. Describe Jesus’s role in the creation of the world at the beginning and today. What does this teach us about God’s relationship with the world?
- Read Colossians 1:19. What does this verse say about who Jesus is? How would you explain this verse to someone who has questions about Jesus’s identity?
- What’s one new thing you learned about Jesus through this topic?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
