How is Jesus the first-born over Creation? What does it mean for Jesus to be the first-born?

TL;DR:

Jesus, as the firstborn over all creation, holds preeminence and authority over everything in heaven and on earth. Jesus’ supremacy assures us that we can trust Him completely, finding hope and security in His sovereign rule.

what does the bible say?

Jesus is called the “firstborn over all creation,” which signifies His preeminence and supreme authority rather than implying He was a created being (Colossians 1:15-17). The term "firstborn" in Scripture can indicate rank or status, showing that Jesus holds the highest place in all things (Psalm 89:27). Jesus is also described as the firstborn from the dead. He holds first place among all who have been or will be raised, demonstrating the unique power and significance of His resurrection (Colossians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23). Through Him, everything in heaven and on Earth was created and continues to be sustained(Colossians 1:16-17). Jesus’ preeminence also assures us that nothing is outside His control, giving us confidence and security in life’s challenges (Matthew 28:18; Colossians 1:17). Recognizing Jesus’ supremacy calls us to prioritize Him above all else, shaping everything in our lives around His lordship (Philippians 2:9-11). Ultimately, Jesus’ preeminence provides a firm foundation for us, inviting us to live under His authority and participate in His kingdom purposes.

from the old testament

Jesus was not the first person ever raised from the dead; a number of people throughout the Bible were raised from the dead before Him (e.g. Elijah raised the widow of Zarephath's son in 1 Kings 17:22). But Jesus holds first place among all who have or will be raised from the dead because of what His resurrection accomplished and provides.
In the same way that God refers to David as his "firstborn" king in Psalm 89:27, "the highest of the kings of the earth," so also is Jesus the "firstborn of all creation" in that Jesus has preeminence and first place in everything that exists.

from the new testament

Some have tried to deny the divinity of Jesus (i.e. that Jesus is God) by quoting a statement made by Paul in his letter to the Colossians that says: "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation" (Colossians 1:15). The argument is that Jesus was created first of everything in creation, and if He is a created "thing," He cannot be God.
This argument, however, fails to recognize that the meaning of the term "firstborn" depends upon the context in which it is used in Scripture. The Greek term prōtotokos can refer to either the birth order in a family (e.g. Luke 2:23) or to a special status conferred upon someone or something, which connotes preeminence or having first place among other contenders (e.g., Colossians 1:15).
The context of Paul's statements made in the first chapter of Colossians clearly demonstrates the second usage of prōtotokos in play, as Paul uses it to show that Jesus has first place in everything. Paul says that "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent" (Colossians 1:16–18, emphasis added).

implications for today

Because Jesus is the firstborn and preeminent over all creation, we can personally trust that He has ultimate authority and power over every aspect of our lives. We can rest in His sovereignty, knowing that He has what is best for us. His preeminence reminds us to prioritize Him above all else, shaping our decisions, values, priorities, and relationships around His lordship. We can also draw confidence that nothing in creation is outside His control, so we can face challenges, uncertainty, and spiritual battles without fear. Recognizing His supremacy encourages us to worship Him with reverence, seek His guidance in all things, and live in obedience, knowing that His plans are perfect and eternal. We are invited to live under His authority, allowing Him to transform and use us for His kingdom purposes. Ultimately, Jesus’ preeminence reassures us that our hope and salvation rest securely in Him.

understand

Jesus’ title as firstborn over creation shows His supreme authority and preeminence over everything.
Jesus is also firstborn from the dead, proving His unique power over life and death.
Jesus’ preeminence gives us confidence, hope, and calls us to live under His lordship.

reflect

How does recognizing Jesus as firstborn over all creation affect the way you trust Him?
In what areas of your life do you need to submit more fully to Jesus’ authority and preeminence?
How does Jesus’ supremacy encourage you to live with greater confidence and hope, even in challenges?

engage

What does Jesus being firstborn over creation reveal about His character and role in our lives?
How can we prioritize Jesus’ lordship in our decisions, relationships, and values?
How does Jesus’ preeminence encourage us to worship, serve, and participate in God’s kingdom purposes together?