Reconciled

/

March 8
Colossians 1:15–23

“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 the cross.”

Illustration by Gustave Doré

We participate in this season of Lent for one reason only: Jesus. What better time than now to focus on who Jesus is and what he has done for us. Paul gives us a taste of the person and work of Jesus in Colossians 1:15–23. Paul provides us with a grand picture of Jesus, reminding all of us Jesus is preeminent over all things. Paul upholds the deity of Christ, teaching us that Jesus is the image of God. Paul writes that all things were created through Jesus. Jesus is “before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17). Jesus is even the firstborn from the dead. 

The point, however, for Paul is not just that Jesus is preeminent but that he has reconciled all things himself. All things. Think about that for a second. Sin’s effect on our world was immense. When sin entered the world it affected everything, especially our relationship with God. Nevertheless, because God came to earth and put on flesh in the person of Jesus and died and rose from the grave, we can be reconciled to God. Paul almost repeats himself in this passage. First, he says that Jesus made peace by the blood of his cross (Colossians 1:20). Paul then goes on to reiterate that Jesus “has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death” (Colossians 1:22). While Jesus lived a perfect life on earth, it was his sacrificial death upon the cross that brought reconciled humanity with God and brought peace between the two. While our sin created an uncrossable chasm between God and us, Jesus bridged that gap. Through Christ, we can now be reconciled to God and have peace with God.

Reflection

  1. Why did Jesus have to be God for him to reconcile us to God?
  2. Why did Jesus have to be human for him to reconcile us to God?
  3. Think about the peace that Jesus has brought you? What has that peace meant for you? Take time to thank Jesus for the peace that he has provided.