The man called Jesus also known as the “Christ” is perhaps the most well known of all historical and Bible characters. While many of us feel like we know Jesus there is much about him revealed in scripture that we may not be aware of. Jesus is truly a unique individual. If everyone really understood Jesus and his proper place in our lives, I am certain he would gain acceptance of countless new followers of his teachings.

The apostle Paul wrote of Jesus in the letter to the Colosians. In chapter 1 verses 13-20 he points out who Jesus really is and the importance he holds to mankind. It is an awesome list of accomplishments and leaves each of us forever in debt to Jesus for all he has done, is doing now and will do in the future for those who are willing to listen carefully and do all that Jesus has taught.

Paul points out ten things about Jesus that we all need to be aware of. Together they give Jesus a most special rank in both heaven and earth for there is none comparable to him. He is “The Preeminent Jesus”.

First, verse 13, Jesus is King over his kingdom which is the church and therefore has a right to reign and to rule. To have a kingdom requires four things, a king, a law, subjects and a territory. Jesus, our king, rules over the minds and hearts of men through the law of the New Testament.

Second, verse 14, he is the savior from our sins. All have sinned and been separated from God. Jesus saves us from our sins through the shedding of his blood on the cross.

Third, verse 15, he is the image of the invisible God. No man has seen God but Jesus has declared him (John 1:18).

Fourth, verses 15-16, he is the firstborn over all creation. This means Jesus has all power and authority over creation, the only exception being the Father.

Fifth, verse 16, he is the creator of all things. All things were created by Jesus and for Jesus.

Sixth, verse 17, he is the sustainer of all things. This means Jesus is the operator and maintainer of the universe. We need not be worried about the future of this earth because Jesus watches over it.

Seventh, verse 18, he is the head of the body, the church. Jesus continually leads and directs the church through the written word. Those who will not follow his word are not part of his body because they answer to someone else.

Eighth, verse 18, he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead. Jesus was the first to die and be resurrected never to die again and he is the highest ranking of this group which will follow him to heaven.

Ninth, verse 19, he is the fullness of all things. In Jesus dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Col 2:9) and in him we have all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col 2:3). We are complete in him (Col 2:10).

Finally, verse 20, he is the reconciler of all things to God. Jesus reconciles us unto himself by his blood. How this applied to things in heaven is unclear but obviously stated in verse 20. Jesus is such a superlative individual in every way that it is truly hard to imagine anyone would want to do anything less than love and obey him for all eternity.

Send comments or questions to the Clintwood Church of Christ, POB 746, Clintwood, Va. 24228 or E-mail me at bryanwa@ntelos.net Check out our web page at clintwoodchurchofchrist.com