This sermon is part four of the ‘Creation Matters’ series, and looks particularly at how Jesus relates to creation, drawing out some of the implications of this for our attitude towards the planet. It is based on chapter 4 of ‘Planetwise’ by Dave Bookless.

Jesus Is Creation’s Source

As the New Testament fleshes out the description of creation given in Genesis, we see clearly that Jesus played a pivotal role. John introduces his Gospel by explaining the the Word was with God from the beginning and all things were made through him, and in Colossians 1:16 we are told that by him all things were created. Jesus is above and superior to this creation, and this explains the power that Jesus had to heal and do miracles, and also why he so often would draw on the natural world to illustrate his teaching and his parables. It means that Jesus is the one who knows this world best and has power over it, so we should listen to what he has to say about it and bring the needs of the creation (and our own needs) before him in prayer.     .

Jesus Is Creation’s Sustainer

Creation was not only made by Jesus but also for him (Col. 1:16). Because it belongs to him, Jesus cares for and protects this world. Moreover, Colossians goes on to teach that ‘in him all things hold together.’ He is the key piece of the puzzle of creation and it all works together in him. If creation is for Christ, then the way we treat it is part of our worship!

Jesus Is Creation’s Saviour

The work of Christ on the cross was not limited to reconciling humans to God (although that was a big part of it). It is also something that impacts creation itself. As Colossians 1:19 says, God was pleased to ‘through him reconcile all things to himself.’ As Jesus died, creation itself responded to the events through the sky going dark and the land shaking. In his death is the redemption of the whole creation.