The supremacy of Christ.
We commonly think of Christ as the Man of sorrows, humiliated and crucified; but we should more often remember that this familiar picture describes what is completely past. If we would love and worship our Lord as he now is, we must look at him in his exaltation—triumphant, joyous, glorious. We should see the typical Christ in Raffaelle's 'Transfiguration' rather than in the many piteous 'Ecce Homo's!' that arrest our attention. We have not to weep at the tomb, "He is not here; he is risen." The supremacy of Christ is twofold—in rank and in authority.
I. THE SUPREME RANK OF CHRIST.
1. Where in it consists. Christ sits at God's "right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule," etc. By an accumulation of titles of beings below Christ, St. Paul not only declares, but helps to make us feel, the lofty rank of Christ. For since we have only seen the humiliation, it is difficult to realize the exaltation.
2. Whence it arises.
3. What effects should flow from it.
II. THE SUPREME AUTHORITY OF CHRIST.
1. Wherein it consists.
2. Whence it arises.
3. What effects should flow from it.