Is Jesus the Creator?

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. (Colossians 1:15–16)

Today’s big question: is Jesus the Creator?

When we casually read through God’s word, we should be cautious about reaching certain conclusions without careful and prayerful study. For example, many times when we consider the creation of the universe, we think of Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Then if someone asked whether Jesus was involved in creation, we might use Genesis 1:1 and answer in the negative. However, if we had studied further, it would be very easy to answer correctly.

In Colossians, Paul sets up the idea that Jesus is the Creator by calling Him “the image of the invisible God.” He follows this by clearly stating, “by [Jesus] all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth,” yet this does not contradict Genesis 1:1. If we continue reading Genesis 1, we will see that “God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image’” (Genesis 1:26; emphasis added). This verse supports the fact that Jesus was involved in creation.

There are also many passages that state that Jesus is God (e.g., Titus 2:13; Hebrews 1:8–9). Our finite minds cannot fully comprehend this concept; if we understood everything, then we would be God. However, God does reveal that the Son is equal with the Father (John 5:18; 10:30), and that there is only one God (James 2:19). Our inability to fully understand these two concepts does not make them any less true.

Just as we need to be careful about making certain conclusions without more fully studying God’s Word, we also need to recognize when we cannot make definite conclusions. However, we can conclude that Jesus is the Creator because it is clearly revealed through God’s Word (Hebrews 1:2). Jesus was born of a virgin named Mary, but we must remember that Jesus has always existed; He “became flesh,” so that we may all have eternal life (John 1:1, 14; Ephesians 3:11).

Today’s big idea: along with the Father, Jesus was actively involved with the creation of the universe.

What to pray: ask God for discernment and wisdom when it comes to knowing and understanding His Word.