Colossians 2:13-23

“Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come” (v16-17). Paul taught that no one was obligated to follow the Old Testament code anymore, because Jesus fulfilled and embodied it. If we “hold fast to the Head” (v19), experiencing the real power of Christ, we won’t depend on “self-made religion” (v23). Strictly following religious codes doesn’t stop us from sinning, anyway (v23).

The “appearance of wisdom” (v23) – fulfilling human expectations - isn’t good enough. We need the reality of Jesus (v17), who loves us and died for us and rose again.