The Superiority of Jesus

There are many New Testament passages that establish the superiority of Christ (Matthew 7:28-29; 28:18; John 6:68; John 14:6; Ephesians 1:21-23; Philippians 2:9-10; Colossians 1:18). Here are some reasons why He is superior:

1. Because of His preeminence. The word "preeminence" as expressed in Colossians 1:18 comes from a Greek term meaning "to be first." Jesus ranks at the top of any "hierarchy." He is first in all things. This makes Him superior.
2. Because of His peculiarity. Jesus is peculiar in two ways. (1) His nature. He is both God and man. He is deity and He is flesh. See John 1:1-5, 14 and 1 Timothy 2:5. (2) He is the fulfillment of prophecy. Jesus fufilled prophecy by way of His birth, His perfect life in an imperfect world, His arrest and trial, His crucifixion, His death, and even in His resurrection and ascension into Heaven. No other being can successfully claim that they are the fulfillment of prophecy as Christ was. Many have tried, but to no avail. His peculiarity makes Him superior.
3. Because of His pattern. Jesus lived a perfect life. He went through the trials we experience and did it without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He serves us not only in that He died for our sins and gives us the hope of eternal life, but He left for us the perfect pattern of how to live. Take note of how He dealt with sin. He didn't stand for it. But He was not afraid of being associated with sinners as He made the effort to teach them and have an influence on them. Look at how he dealt with man. He was in the presence of those that most would not be seen with. He prayed for His enemies (Luke 23:34). He laid down His life for those who wouldn't even believe in His very name. He is the perfect pattern for us with regard to humility (Philippians 2:5-11). Jesus is also the perfect leader (Hebrews 2:9-18). Man fails in their leadership. Man is not perfect. Men as leaders break promises, forget things, make honest and legitimate mistakes, and do not always have the correct answers. But not Jesus. He is the captain of our salvation (Hebrews 2:10). Because He is the perfect pattern, He is superior to all else.
4. Because of His power. Jesus reminded His followers that all power had been given to Him in Heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). This power and authority makes Him superior because no man or institution can rightfully claim such. How blessed we are to serve an everlasting and merciful God that places the hope of our salvation on One as powerful as Jesus Christ.

Jesus' superior nature should be a tremendous comfort to us. As we strive to walk in a partnership with Him as citizens in His kingdom, may we take great joy in Who we serve and in what we are accomplishing. And may His presence in our lives provide a sense of peace and security for us. In a world of constant struggle for power, isn't it reassuring to know that God is still and ultimately in control?

Thank God that Jesus reigns supreme!