Colossians 18-21
For this pleases the Lord. – Colossians 3:20c
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There is a statement worth reflecting on deeply: “Human beings are God’s masterpiece.” This profound truth has echoed throughout philosophy, literature, and theology. It is not merely a high view of human dignity, but also a declaration that every person possesses unique worth, value, and purpose.
Indeed, humanity is God’s masterpiece. Genesis tells us that God created the heavens and the earth by His word and through the power of His Spirit. Yet when it came to mankind, God personally formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into him the breath of life, and man became a living being (Genesis 2:7). In Ephesians, the apostle Paul says clearly, “For we are his workmanship” (or “His masterpiece”), “created in Christ Jesus.” The original Greek word carries the meaning of a work of art. Every person is uniquely and intentionally shaped by God, not mass-produced or accidental. Human beings were created to reflect God’s beauty and character, and were entrusted with wisdom and responsibility to steward His creation.
The prophet Micah once exclaimed in wonder at God’s mercy toward His people: “Who is a God like you?” (Micah 7:18). As we have been reading through Colossians, perhaps we too should pause in amazement and say: “Who is a God like You, so deeply concerned with every aspect of our lives?” God continues to teach, shape, and work within His masterpieces — within each of our lives.
A life redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus is meant to express this “new self” in every relationship. In today’s passage, Paul speaks about two of the most fundamental and intimate relationships within the family: the relationship between husband and wife (3:18–19), and the relationship between parents and children (3:20–21).
Verses 18–19 address the marriage relationship, the most foundational relationship within the family. In the Roman world of the New Testament, women were often treated unjustly. Jewish culture at the time could treat women lightly, and even minor matters could become grounds for divorce under distorted interpretations of the law. Greek society was often even more immoral and degrading toward women. Respectable women were restricted largely to household duties, while men were free to pursue immoral lifestyles.
By the time of the Roman Empire, family life among the upper classes had become deeply unstable, with frequent divorces and remarriages. Against such a cultural backdrop, Paul’s teaching would have sounded radical and countercultural: wives are called to submit to their husbands, and husbands are commanded to love their wives. The gospel was transforming not only personal hearts, but also the way people related to one another within the home. The new life in Christ was meant to produce a new way of living.
Verses 20–21 speak about the parent-child relationship, another essential relationship within the family. In Roman society, children were considered the property of their fathers. Fathers held extensive authority over their children, even into adulthood. Yet Paul brings a completely different vision shaped by the gospel. Children are called to obey their parents in the Lord, while fathers are warned not to provoke or discourage their children. Parents are not owners but stewards entrusted with lives that ultimately belong to God.
These teachings may seem ordinary to us today, but in Paul’s time they were revolutionary. In many ways, the dignity and protection of women and children in modern society have been deeply influenced by biblical truth and the transforming power of the gospel.
“Who is a God like You, so deeply concerned with every aspect of our lives?” God continues to patiently shape and refine His masterpieces through the ordinary relationships of daily life.
Reflection:
As I reflect on my witness within my family, do my attitudes and actions toward those closest to me please the Lord? Am I truly a blessing to my family members? Are there areas where I need to change quickly through the Lord’s help? In these relationships, am I experiencing the transforming power of the gospel?
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we are Your workmanship, Your precious masterpiece. Thank You for caring so deeply about our lives and relationships. You teach us, guide us, and continue shaping us through the work of the Holy Spirit. Help us to live out Your Word within our families and closest relationships, and to experience the transforming power of the gospel. Protect every family, and may each home be filled with Your goodness, peace, and presence. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Click to read passage
There is a statement worth reflecting on deeply: “Human beings are God’s masterpiece.” This profound truth has echoed throughout philosophy, literature, and theology. It is not merely a high view of human dignity, but also a declaration that every person possesses unique worth, value, and purpose.
Indeed, humanity is God’s masterpiece. Genesis tells us that God created the heavens and the earth by His word and through the power of His Spirit. Yet when it came to mankind, God personally formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into him the breath of life, and man became a living being (Genesis 2:7). In Ephesians, the apostle Paul says clearly, “For we are his workmanship” (or “His masterpiece”), “created in Christ Jesus.” The original Greek word carries the meaning of a work of art. Every person is uniquely and intentionally shaped by God, not mass-produced or accidental. Human beings were created to reflect God’s beauty and character, and were entrusted with wisdom and responsibility to steward His creation.
The prophet Micah once exclaimed in wonder at God’s mercy toward His people: “Who is a God like you?” (Micah 7:18). As we have been reading through Colossians, perhaps we too should pause in amazement and say: “Who is a God like You, so deeply concerned with every aspect of our lives?” God continues to teach, shape, and work within His masterpieces — within each of our lives.
A life redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus is meant to express this “new self” in every relationship. In today’s passage, Paul speaks about two of the most fundamental and intimate relationships within the family: the relationship between husband and wife (3:18–19), and the relationship between parents and children (3:20–21).
Verses 18–19 address the marriage relationship, the most foundational relationship within the family. In the Roman world of the New Testament, women were often treated unjustly. Jewish culture at the time could treat women lightly, and even minor matters could become grounds for divorce under distorted interpretations of the law. Greek society was often even more immoral and degrading toward women. Respectable women were restricted largely to household duties, while men were free to pursue immoral lifestyles.
By the time of the Roman Empire, family life among the upper classes had become deeply unstable, with frequent divorces and remarriages. Against such a cultural backdrop, Paul’s teaching would have sounded radical and countercultural: wives are called to submit to their husbands, and husbands are commanded to love their wives. The gospel was transforming not only personal hearts, but also the way people related to one another within the home. The new life in Christ was meant to produce a new way of living.
Verses 20–21 speak about the parent-child relationship, another essential relationship within the family. In Roman society, children were considered the property of their fathers. Fathers held extensive authority over their children, even into adulthood. Yet Paul brings a completely different vision shaped by the gospel. Children are called to obey their parents in the Lord, while fathers are warned not to provoke or discourage their children. Parents are not owners but stewards entrusted with lives that ultimately belong to God.
These teachings may seem ordinary to us today, but in Paul’s time they were revolutionary. In many ways, the dignity and protection of women and children in modern society have been deeply influenced by biblical truth and the transforming power of the gospel.
“Who is a God like You, so deeply concerned with every aspect of our lives?” God continues to patiently shape and refine His masterpieces through the ordinary relationships of daily life.
Reflection:
As I reflect on my witness within my family, do my attitudes and actions toward those closest to me please the Lord? Am I truly a blessing to my family members? Are there areas where I need to change quickly through the Lord’s help? In these relationships, am I experiencing the transforming power of the gospel?
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we are Your workmanship, Your precious masterpiece. Thank You for caring so deeply about our lives and relationships. You teach us, guide us, and continue shaping us through the work of the Holy Spirit. Help us to live out Your Word within our families and closest relationships, and to experience the transforming power of the gospel. Protect every family, and may each home be filled with Your goodness, peace, and presence. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.