What things do we rank as most significant. Where would Jesus fit in our list? It depends on who we think He is.
Jesus is the image of God (v15) (see John 1:18). Notice it IS - present tense. See v19. He is the brilliance behind all creation, which He made for God's glory. Only one place - supreme (v18).
1. Supreme in all creation. (v15,16) (Note: Firstborn - is position). Everything that is not God was made in the sphere of Jesus' influence. He is supreme over all our anxieties. V17- He is what holds things together. If He can sustain the universe, He can sustain us. Many people want to be 'independent' of God - but that doesn't change reality.
2. Supreme over the Church. (v18) The Church does not exist not to meet our needs, but to serve the Head - Jesus. Jesus displays His supremacy within the Church, like nowhere else.
3. Supreme over God's purposes in the world. Life has meaning and purposes for us. (v20) Reconcile all things to God - starting with us.
Where is Jesus now in our life? If He is not Lord in our life we need to submit and repent. If He is supreme in our lives, others will see a difference.
