Humble Beginnings to Heavenly Heights

  

The Incarnate and Preeminent Christ-2

 

TITLE: Humble Beginnings to Heavenly Heights
TEXT: Matthew 1:18–25 & Colossians 1:15–16
THEME: His Position, His Power, His Purpose, His Paradox
THESIS: To truly know Jesus, we must embrace two seemingly contradictory portraits: Matthew’s scandalous, humble birth, and Colossians’ cosmic, sovereign Christ. This divine paradox—hidden humiliation entwined with revealed glory—reshapes our worship, discipleship, and hope.

 

Matthew paints Jesus’ arrival in the colors of shame, scandal, and utter simplicity. Colossians unveils the splendor, supremacy, and sovereignty of Christ’s eternal identity. These are not two stories, but one breathtaking revelation: the Child born in obscurity is the King who reigns over all.

 

Today, we explore Jesus as the Firstborn Over All Creation—a royal title announcing His supremacy—and the wonder that this exalted Son chose the path of unimaginable humility.

Colossians 1:15–20 offers one of the most exalted portraits of Jesus in all of Scripture. Paul magnifies Christ’s splendor, supremacy, and sovereignty, calling us to worship, trust, and surrender to Him in every aspect of life.

I.                             HIS POSITION: THE FIRSTBORN OVER ALL CREATION (Col. 1:15)

When Paul names Jesus the Firstborn, he isn’t referring to birth order, but to an unrivaled rank. In Scripture, “firstborn” means preeminent heir, the one with the highest status and authority. Psalm 89:27 declares: “I will make Him My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.” Christ is not merely a king among many—He is the supreme Heir, the rightful Ruler, the eternal King of kings.

 

A.    The Splendor of Christ (vv. 15, 19)

Christ is “the image of the invisible God.” He perfectly reveals God’s character, glory, and nature to us. “In him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell.” Jesus radiates the beauty, holiness, and majesty of God.

Illustration: Like a flawless diamond reflecting light in every direction, Jesus is the fullness of God’s splendor. Just as the sun reveals itself fully through its rays, Christ reveals the invisible God to us.

B.    The Supremacy of Christ (vv. 16–18)

Christ is “before all things” and “by him all things were created.” He is the Creator and sustainer of the universe. “He is the head of the body, the church.” He has first place in everything—creation and redemption.

 

Illustration: Like the CEO who oversees every part of a company, yet is also its founder, Jesus is both the origin and the leader of all creation. Or like a conductor orchestrating a symphony: every part follows His lead.

C.    The Sovereignty of Christ (vv. 17, 20)

“In him all things hold together.” Christ is not only supreme, but sovereign—actively governing all creation. “Through him to reconcile all things.” His sovereign work brings peace and restoration through the cross.

Illustration: Like gravity holding the universe together, Christ’s sovereign power upholds and directs all things. Or a king whose authority brings order and peace to a divided land.

Here, the doctrine of the Incarnation shatters all human expectations of glory. The eternal Son—the Logos through whom all things were made (John 1:3)—does not cling to His divine prerogatives (Phil. 2:6), but empties Himself (kenosis), taking the form of a servant. In so doing, He fulfills not only prophecy, but the very heart of the Triune God: to display power through weakness, and glory through humility. The “Firstborn,” as understood in Hebraic thought, is the one who inherits all—Jesus, as the new Adam, claims the inheritance forfeited by the first.

Application: Paul’s vision of Christ’s splendor, supremacy, and sovereignty calls us to deeper worship, greater trust, and total surrender. Let your life reflect the glory of the One who is before all things, above all things, and holds all things together.

II. HIS POWER: CREATOR OF EVERYTHING (Col. 1:16)
The same babe in the manger is not only the Redeemer, but the Creator and Sustainer of all things. His birth in Bethlehem does not diminish His cosmic authority. Instead, worship of Christ rightly demands universal allegiance because His creative power knows no boundaries. Paul emphasizes this by layering phrase upon phrase to capture the totality of Christ’s creative work:

 

• All things—nothing is outside His dominion
• In heaven and on earth—His reign spans every realm
• Visible and invisible—He is Lord over both the seen and unseen
• Thrones, dominions, rulers, authorities—every power is subject to Him

Colossians 1:16 echoes the high Christology of the earliest church: Jesus is not a created being, but the very Agent of creation (see also Hebrews 1:2–3, John 1:1–4). The entire cosmos—material and spiritual—is contingent upon His will. This upends all reductionist Christologies that would make Him merely a moral teacher or spiritual guide. The Nicene Creed enshrines this truth: “God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God… through Him all things were made.” In the Incarnation, the Creator enters His creation without ceasing to be the Sovereign Lord of it.

In Matthew 1, we meet a child conceived in Mary, utterly dependent on Joseph’s protection and care. In Colossians 1, we behold the One through whom all things—every world, every atom—were conceived and brought into being. Here, the mystery of the incarnation is unveiled: the infinite God willingly empties Himself, taking on frail human flesh. The Creator becomes the creature, subjecting Himself to the limitations, pains, and vulnerabilities of our world.

 

Illustration: Imagine: The very hands that shaped the galaxies, hung the stars, and fashioned every living thing are now the tiny fingers that curl around Mary’s. The infinite cradled in the finite—a mystery that inspires awe and worship.

 

Application: If Christ is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, He is more than able to carry you and your burdens. No situation is too overwhelming, no problem too complex, for the One who holds all things together. Entrust every care to Him, knowing that the One who made the universe cares for you personally. The church’s worship must be cosmic in scope, Christ-centered in focus, and rooted in the confession that Jesus is Lord of all.

 

III. HIS PURPOSE: ALL THINGS MADE FOR HIM (Col. 1:16)
Creation is not random. It is purposeful, Christ-centered, Christ-exalting.

 

• You were made for Him.
• The universe exists for Him
• History moves toward Him.

 

All of creation finds its meaning and fulfillment in Christ. Every star, every story, every soul is designed to reflect His glory and return praise to Him. The incarnation is not merely a touching moment in history; it is the Creator entering creation to reclaim what is His, to redeem and restore all things to Himself (Col. 1:20).

Here, we approach the doctrine of Christ’s cosmic lordship and the telos (goal) of creation. All things were created “through Him and for Him”—He is both the agent and the end of creation. The story of redemption is the story of the Creator reclaiming, reconciling, and consummating all that is rightfully His (Eph. 1:10). The incarnation is thus not merely a rescue mission for humanity, but the beginning of new creation (2 Cor. 5:17), the pledge of the ultimate restoration of all things (Rev. 21:5).

 

Christmas unmasks the emptiness of self-centered living and invites us to reorient our hearts around Christ. Our most profound joy and truest identity are found when we live for Him, not ourselves. The gospel proclaims that the One for whom all things exist has come to dwell with us, to invite us into His life and purpose. In Christ, we are not only forgiven but called to participate in His cosmic plan—to make much of Him in all we do.

 

Application: If life is for Him, then Christmas is for Him—not for sentiment, not for self, but for the Savior. The Christian life is most fully realized when Christ is the center, and all things are held together in Him.

 

IV.                     HIS POSTURE: GOD ENTERS THE MESSINESS OF HUMAN EXISTENCE (Matt.1)

The Christmas story is often romanticized, but Matthew presents a birth narrative marked by shame, scandal, surprising simplicity, and ultimately, salvation. God’s ways confound human expectations, showing that His grace enters the messiness of human life. Matthew sets the scene with whispers of scandal and the shadow of shame. God’s royal Firstborn enters not with trumpets, but through the doorway of dishonor. He comes through the womb of a woman marked by suspicion, yet He Himself is without sin.

 

His first cradle is a feeding trough. His birth announcement is delivered to shepherds—society’s outsiders. His infancy is overshadowed by Herod’s murderous plot—a sign of political humiliation and peril. The Sovereign of all enters as the lowest, identifying with the rejected and the powerless. God stoops to meet us in our mess.

 

A.       The Shame Surrounding the Birth (vv. 18–19)

Mary is found to be pregnant before marriage—a situation carrying social stigma and personal disgrace in Jewish society. Joseph, described as righteous, faces a painful dilemma: to expose Mary or to divorce her quietly.

Illustration: Imagine the whispered rumors in a small town when a respected couple faces a public scandal. Modern parallel: A public figure exposed in a compromising situation, and the ripple effects on family and reputation.

B.       The Scandal of the Incarnation (vv. 20–23)

The divine conception by the Holy Spirit was not only miraculous but also scandalous, challenging natural law and expectations. God’s redemptive plan unfolds in a way that seems suspect to human eyes—fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy, yet cloaked in controversy.

 

Illustration: Scandalous beginnings: Many world-changing movements began under suspicion—think of misunderstood inventors or movements that were initially mocked.

 

C.      The Simplicity of the Savior’s Arrival (vv. 24–25)

Joseph’s obedience is simple, humble, and direct—he takes Mary as his wife, names the child Jesus, and refrains from relations until after the birth. The setting is simple: no palace, no fanfare, no worldly grandeur—just faithful obedience.

Illustration: A simple meal shared with family can be more meaningful than a lavish banquet; a handwritten note can touch a heart more than an expensive gift.

D.      The Salvation Secured Through Obedience (vv. 21, 24–25)

The angel’s message: “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Joseph’s obedience participates in the unfolding of God’s salvation plan.

Illustration: Small acts of obedience can have world-changing consequences, like a single act of kindness that changes a life’s direction.

Application: Our obedience, no matter how small, can be used by God for His saving purposes. Trust that God’s salvation meets us in our shame, scandal, and simplicity.

The birth of Christ is a story of shame, scandal, simplicity—and salvation. God’s grace enters the messiness of our world, using ordinary people and circumstances. This Christmas, embrace God’s work in your own life, even when it comes through shame, scandal, or simplicity, knowing that He brings salvation through it all.

V. HIS PARADOX: MAJESTY IN MISERY (Matt. 1)
Here is the paradox of the Firstborn:
• The Heir of heaven becomes the Helpless of the earth.
• The One who gives life becomes the One who must be protected.
• The Architect of galaxies becomes the Child of a carpenter.

The paradox of the Incarnation is the paradox of redemptive love. The humiliation of Christ is not an accident, but an intentional descent (Phil. 2:8)—so that He might be the merciful and faithful High Priest (Heb. 2:17). The Son enters the depths of human frailty, shame, and suffering, so that none are beyond His reach. By going lower than anyone, He can raise all who trust Him to heavenly heights (Eph. 2:6). The ancient fathers called this the “wonderful exchange”: He takes our poverty so that we might share His riches (2 Cor. 8:9).

 

Why would the Firstborn come this way? Because the Firstborn came to bring many brothers and sisters into His family (Heb. 2:10). He entered lowliness so He could lift sinners to glory.

 

TAKE-AWAY: Jesus is the first in honor, yet the Firstborn in humility. He is the First Cause of creation, yet the First Cry in Bethlehem. He is the First in rank yet chose to be the last in earthly privilege. This is Christmas glory—the Royal Son in rags, the Preeminent One in poverty.

 

This mystery is not meant to be solved but adored. It is the foundation of our assurance: the One who sits at the right hand of the Father is the same One who walked the dusty roads of Nazareth, who knows our weakness, and who has made us co-heirs with Him (Rom. 8:17).

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