Jesus Holds Everything Together

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, COLOSSIANS 2:8-9 NIV

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 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. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 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. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 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. COLOSSIANS 1:15-20 NIV

Jesus holds together the picture of what God is like

The Son is the image of the invisible God, COLOSSIANS 1:15 NIV

Jesus holds together meaning and purpose for my life

… all things have been created through him and for him. COLOSSIANS 1:16 NIV

The false self will convince us that because I am ____________, then I must be able to hold it all together.

Jesus holds together the parts of me that are falling apart

He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. COLOSSIANS 1:18 NIV

Jesus holds us together because he allowed himself to be torn apart

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. COLOSSIANS 1:20 NIV

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet place away from noise and other distractions. Focus on your thoughts and feelings. Wait until they become reasonably calm. When you are ready, invite God into this time of reflection and ask Him to guide you. Read and meditate on Colossians 1:15-20. What causes you to feel in awe of Jesus? What are your thoughts and feelings about Jesus being the exact representation of God and holding all things together? Ask Him to reveal where you are trying to hold things together instead of allowing Jesus to do it for you. In what ways are you trying to hold yourself together? Based on Colossians 1:15-20, why would Jesus do a better job? Picture your life if you trusted Him more deeply to hold it together. Conclude your time by inviting Jesus to take control of the areas of your life that you sense are falling apart. Pray He will reveal any actions He wants you to take to cooperate with Him as He holds your life together. Commit to taking those actions this week. Praise Jesus for His greatness, and pray He will increase your awe and wonder of Him.

Discussion Questions

Choose a couple of the following questions from each section that best fit your group. Or have everyone read the questions, choosing which one(s) from each section they feel led to respond to.

START HERE: Describe an experience that filled you with awe or wonder. What do you feel as you recall the experience, and how do you see God in it?

START HERE: What impresses you the most about Jesus and why?

START HERE: If you could go back and tell your younger self one thing about Jesus, what would it be?

KEEP GOING: Read Colossians 1:15-20 - What aspects of Jesus' character stand out to you in this passage?

KEEP GOING: How does Jesus' supremacy impact your daily life?

KEEP GOING: What prevents people from engaging with God? How would you respond to someone wrestling with those challenges?

KEEP GOING: Can you recall a time when your wonder with God was rekindled? What sparked it?

LIVE IT OUT: What might you be carrying that Jesus would have you release to Him?

LIVE IT OUT: Where do you need the peace of God in your life?

LIVE IT OUT: What's your go-to method for coping when life feels overwhelming? How does this compare to the way God would have you respond, like confessing, trusting, releasing, etc?