Jesus - Able to reconcile in a single bound!

 In Philippians 2, Paul explained how Jesus willingly lowered himself to the state of man.  But, in some ways, that was just his secret identity.  All the time Jesus was on earth subject to the limitations of his human body, he was also completely God.

Jesus had the power:

• to heal
• to raise the dead
• to overcome temptation
• to command nature
• to create as when he fed thousands with a small lunch
• TO RECONCILE ALL THINGS TO HIMSELF, THAT IS, TO GOD!

Jesus lowered himself to the state of man, but He was still pure God.

 The Supremacy of the Son of God

Colossians 1:15: The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 

In this verse, Paul asserts that Jesus is not a replica of God or picture of God.  Rather Jesus is God with all his qualities.  For a time, Jesus gave up some of his nature as God to live with people on earth.  But never forget, Jesus IS God!

In Colossians 1:16-20, Paul describes some of Jesus' accomplishments and roles.  Listen carefully because this is why Jesus is not like any other human or god (with a lowercase g).

Colossians 1:16-20: For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 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 and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

1. Jesus CREATED all things
2. Thrones, powers, rulers, and authorities were created FOR Him
3. He pre-existed creation. Jesus was not from the beginning of time.  He existed BEFORE time began
4. Jesus is actually the glue that holds together creation
5. Jesus is the head of the church which is his body
6. Jesus was the first to conquer death so all believers could conquer death
7. The fullness of God lives in Jesus AND through Jesus all creation can once again be at peace with God
8. Jesus' blood shed on the cross guaranteed that reconciliation.

What does it mean to be reconciled?

Who and what are not reconciled to God right now? 

If Jesus wants us to be reconciled to him, how should that affect the way we treat the sinful people around us?

Colossians 1:21-22: Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—

If God was willing to reconcile with His enemies (us), why do we think it is OK not to do everything we can to reconcile with our enemies?  By the way, does every enemy accept reconciliation?

When we are inspired by our 'superman' Jesus, we can do impossible things as well.  Paul set the example for us.

Paul’s Labor for the Church

Colossians 1:24-27:  Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

What are these great things we are inspired to do?

• Suffer as Jesus suffered for his body, the Church
• Share the hope of glory with people we wouldn't want to be around (Jews shared with Gentiles)
• To be amazed by the mystery and treasure of Jesus -- the mystery was that Jesus was not just for the special people, the rich, famous, or beautiful.  The treasure of Jesus is for all of us!

Colossians 2:2-3 summarizes the most important thing we need to know about the original Superman:

² My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Our goal (should be) to make known the mystery of Christ to others and uncover that treasure for ourselves.