– Today’s Community Scripture – 9/26/2025
Hardly anyone who hears the full story of Jesus and learns the true facts of his life and teaching, crucifixion and resurrection, walks away with a shrug of the shoulders, dismissing him as unimportant. People ignorant of the story or misinformed about it, of course, regularly dismiss him. But with few exceptions, the others know instinctively that they are dealing with a most remarkable greatness. But it is quite common for those who consider him truly important to include others who seem to be equally important in his company—Buddha, Moses, Socrates, and Muhammad for a historical start, along with some personal favorites. For these people, Jesus is important, but not central; his prestige is considerable, but he is not preeminent. The Christians in the town of Colosse, or at least some of them, seem to have been taking this line. For them, cosmic forces of one sort or another were getting equal billing with Jesus. Paul writes to them in an attempt to restore Jesus, the Messiah, to the center of their lives. The way he makes his argument is as significant as the argument he makes. Claims for the uniqueness of Jesus are common enough. But such claims about Jesus are frequently made with an arrogance that is completely incompatible with Jesus himself. Sometimes the claims are enforced with violence. But Paul, although unswervingly confident in the conviction that Christ occupies the center of creation and salvation without peers, is not arrogant. And he is certainly not violent. He argues from a position of rooted humility. He writes with the energies of most considerate love. He exhibits again what Christians have come to appreciate so much in Paul—the wedding of a brilliant and uncompromising intellect with a heart that is warmly and wonderfully kind. I, Paul, have been sent on special assignment by Christ as part of God’s master plan. Together with my friend Timothy, I greet the Christians and stalwart followers of Christ who live in Colosse. May everything good from God our Father be yours!
Colossians 1:1–2 (MSG)
– Reflection:
According to the Bible passage written by Paul, he’s on a special mission from Jesus, and he’s writing with love and purpose. Right from the start, Paul makes it clear that Jesus isn’t just one important figure among many. Jesus is the center of everything. Sometimes people try to put Jesus on the same level as other great teachers or leaders, but Paul wants us to understand that Jesus is unique. He’s not just part of the story; He is the story. And what’s amazing is that Paul doesn’t come across as bossy or harsh; he writes with kindness and humility, showing us that truth and love go hand in hand. This introduction to Colossians reminds us that following Jesus means keeping Him at the center of our lives, above all else. Hard work is something we strive for to keep ourselves in a place to stay or a car to drive. If we can work that hard at keeping our worldly outward life good to go. Then we definitely can keep Jesus at the Center, helping us to clean the mess of our lives.
– Where do we go from here?
Let’s start by asking ourselves each day, “Is Jesus first in my thoughts, my choices, and my priorities?” Spend time reading His Word, even just a few verses, and talk to Him in prayer like you would a close friend. Let His love shape how you treat others at home, at school, at work. And don’t keep this to yourself; share what you’re learning with someone else. When Jesus is central, everything else finds its right place. So today, take one step closer: open your Bible, open your heart, and let Him lead.
– Our Prayer for Today
Jesus, thank You for loving us and being the most important part of our lives. Help us to keep you at the center of everything we do. Teach us to follow You every day and to share Your love with others. Amen.
Hardly anyone who hears the full story of Jesus and learns the true facts of his life and teaching, crucifixion and resurrection, walks away with a shrug of the shoulders, dismissing him as unimportant. People ignorant of the story or misinformed about it, of course, regularly dismiss him. But with few exceptions, the others know instinctively that they are dealing with a most remarkable greatness. But it is quite common for those who consider him truly important to include others who seem to be equally important in his company—Buddha, Moses, Socrates, and Muhammad for a historical start, along with some personal favorites. For these people, Jesus is important, but not central; his prestige is considerable, but he is not preeminent. The Christians in the town of Colosse, or at least some of them, seem to have been taking this line. For them, cosmic forces of one sort or another were getting equal billing with Jesus. Paul writes to them in an attempt to restore Jesus, the Messiah, to the center of their lives. The way he makes his argument is as significant as the argument he makes. Claims for the uniqueness of Jesus are common enough. But such claims about Jesus are frequently made with an arrogance that is completely incompatible with Jesus himself. Sometimes the claims are enforced with violence. But Paul, although unswervingly confident in the conviction that Christ occupies the center of creation and salvation without peers, is not arrogant. And he is certainly not violent. He argues from a position of rooted humility. He writes with the energies of most considerate love. He exhibits again what Christians have come to appreciate so much in Paul—the wedding of a brilliant and uncompromising intellect with a heart that is warmly and wonderfully kind. I, Paul, have been sent on special assignment by Christ as part of God’s master plan. Together with my friend Timothy, I greet the Christians and stalwart followers of Christ who live in Colosse. May everything good from God our Father be yours!
Colossians 1:1–2 (MSG)
– Reflection:
According to the Bible passage written by Paul, he’s on a special mission from Jesus, and he’s writing with love and purpose. Right from the start, Paul makes it clear that Jesus isn’t just one important figure among many. Jesus is the center of everything. Sometimes people try to put Jesus on the same level as other great teachers or leaders, but Paul wants us to understand that Jesus is unique. He’s not just part of the story; He is the story. And what’s amazing is that Paul doesn’t come across as bossy or harsh; he writes with kindness and humility, showing us that truth and love go hand in hand. This introduction to Colossians reminds us that following Jesus means keeping Him at the center of our lives, above all else. Hard work is something we strive for to keep ourselves in a place to stay or a car to drive. If we can work that hard at keeping our worldly outward life good to go. Then we definitely can keep Jesus at the Center, helping us to clean the mess of our lives.
– Where do we go from here?
Let’s start by asking ourselves each day, “Is Jesus first in my thoughts, my choices, and my priorities?” Spend time reading His Word, even just a few verses, and talk to Him in prayer like you would a close friend. Let His love shape how you treat others at home, at school, at work. And don’t keep this to yourself; share what you’re learning with someone else. When Jesus is central, everything else finds its right place. So today, take one step closer: open your Bible, open your heart, and let Him lead.
– Our Prayer for Today
Jesus, thank You for loving us and being the most important part of our lives. Help us to keep you at the center of everything we do. Teach us to follow You every day and to share Your love with others. Amen.