The Root of Everything

Colossians 1:15-25; John 1:1-5

^“For in him all things were created…and in him all things hold together.” Col. 1:16-17 

^“Through him all things were made… In him was life…” John 1:3-4

Last week, we started our series titled "Rooted" as we embark on this new journey in 2026. Our aim is to encourage each one of us to anchor our faith in Jesus Christ, our root! Today's message will explore different aspects of Jesus as our root and explain why we should hold on to Him.

There was a story that “a few years ago, during a massive storm in Northern California, dozens of giant redwood and pine trees fell to the ground. The winds were fierce, the ground was saturated, and centuries-old trees were uprooted like toothpicks. However, one tree—the tallest among them—remained standing. When arborists investigated the scene, they discovered something fascinating: the roots of this particular tree extended over 100 feet deep, anchoring into solid rock beneath the surface. While every other tree succumbed to the storm, this one persevered and stood tall because it was deeply rooted in the rock.”

That's what I want for all of you this year! Faith that is rooted on the rock that will remain standing in challenging times!  This series is about strengthening what lies beneath the surface-your root system. Because here's the truth: If you aren't deeply rooted in Christ, you will collapse in a moment of crisis. 

Have you ever known someone... who was once a good, churchgoing, Jesus-loving person... but who is now running away from the Lord... and rejecting the Jesus they once claimed to know? I think it is because most of the time, that person 'experienced' Jesus on some level and to some degree, but they never fully engaged in a life of following Jesus, trusting Jesus, and submitting to His Lordship and leadership in their life. When you see a person's spiritual foundation crumble and collapse... It is because that foundation was never truly anchored in Christ. Shallow roots create fragile faith.  And that is not the kind of faith that God has called us to. God is not calling us to a surface-level Christianity. God is calling us to be rooted in Him.

That was exactly the reason for Paul’s letter to the Colossians. Paul wrote this letter while in prison. Though he had never met these believers face-to-face, he was deeply concerned for them. Because something subtle yet spiritually sinister was creeping into their faith: it was a mixture of legalism, mysticism, and man-made philosophies. And what do all of those have in common? They all make Jesus seem insufficient.

So, in that setting... and within that culture, here's what Paul is going to tell the church.  He's going to say-Jesus is not A way... Jesus is THE way! Christ is not just enough. Christ is everything.  Jesus is your source... Jesus is your lifeline... Jesus is your purpose... Jesus is the root system... that holds you up, feeds you, and keeps you grounded in your purpose.

The first chapter of Colossians offers not just a glimpse of Jesus, but the most magnificent vision of Him in all of Scripture. It highlights Christ's position, purpose, and presence. In this letter, Paul demonstrates the supremacy of Christ and emphasizes that Jesus is the root of everything.

First, let's consider Christ's Position: He is the source, sustainer, and goal of all things, as stated in Colossians 1:15-17. Paul begins by declaring that Jesus is "the image of the invisible God." He is not just a reflection—He is the revelation. Paul explains that Jesus is before all things, and that all things were created by Him, through Him, and for Him, and that all things are held together by Him. John also confirmed this truth in his Gospel: “Through him all things were made” (John 1:3). This truth applies to the past, present, and future.

John further states: "In Jesus was life" (John 1:4). Since Jesus holds all things together, He can hold you together during your deepest, darkest seasons. Jesus supports you when your strength runs out, when everything else feels unstable, and when life doesn’t make sense. When you feel unstable or insecure, remember that you can look to the One who governs over all creation.

Second, in verses 18-20, Paul shifts his focus from discussing Christ as the Cosmic Creator to emphasizing His role as the Covenant Redeemer, which defines His purpose. He describes Jesus as "the head of the body, the church." This illustrates that the church does not belong to any denomination, pastor, or administrative board. There is only one Head, one Chief Shepherd, and one Cornerstone—His name is Jesus. His purpose is to save the lost and to remove the barrier that separates us from God (Luke 19:10).

The blood of Jesus not only cleanses you, but it also brings you closer to God. He didn't simply reduce the wall of separation; He completely removed it. He reconciled you with the Father. As a result, there is no longer any condemnation for you, since you are in Christ! All past guilt is gone! You are no longer in conflict with God. God loves you just as you are right now.

Finally, in verses 24-25, Paul emphasizes that Christ's presence is vital to our daily lives because He lives within us. It is through Jesus’ presence in Paul’s life that he can find joy, even while suffering. It is important to note that Paul wrote this while he was in prison, yet he expresses no bitterness—only joy. Why is that? He views his suffering, marked by scars on his body and chains on his wrists, as an essential part of his ministry.

The main message is that Christ is not just above us or for us; He is in us—the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). This contrasts with the previous belief that God's presence was limited to specific places, like the burning bush, tabernacles, and temples. Now, Paul reveals to the church that God's presence dwells within them. Because of this, we should live in a way that reflects Christ inside us. Every part of our lives should serve as a platform to share the story of the One who saved us. This involves actively seeking God and trusting Him to work in our lives.

This morning, may I ask: Is your life truly rooted in the unwavering, incomparable, and all-sufficient person of Jesus Christ or your reputation,  relationships, or your family?? Today, you can establish your life on the Rock that never wavers. You can be rooted in the only One who reigns, reconciles, resides within you, and desires to be proclaimed through you. Jesus is the root of everything. If you are truly rooted in him, nothing can shake you