IMAGE
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE MEAN WHEN IT SPEAKS OF GOD’S IMAGE?
BIBLE READING: Genesis 1:1-31
KEY BIBLE VERSE: God said, “Let us make people in our image, to be like ourselves. They will be masters over all life-the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the livestock, wild animals, and small animals.” So God created people in his own image; God patterned them after himself; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:26-27)
BEING MADE IN GOD’S IMAGE REFERS TO CHARACTERISTICS GOD SHARES WITH US.
In what ways are we made in God’s image? God obviously did not create us exactly like himself, because God has no physical body. Instead, we are reflections of God’s glory. Some feel that the image of God refers to our reason, creativity, speech, or self-determination. More likely, it is our entire self that reflects the image of God. We will never be totally like God, because he is our supreme Creator. But we do have the ability to reflect his character in our love, patience, forgiveness, kindness, and faithfulness.
GOD’S IMAGE IS THE BASIS FOR HUMAN SELF-WORTH.
Knowing that we are made in God’s image and thus share many of his characteristics provides a solid basis for self-worth. Human worth is not based on possessions, achievements, physical attractiveness, or public acclaim. Instead it is based on being made in God’s image. Because we bear God’s image, we can feel positive about ourself. Criticizing or downgrading ourself is criticizing what God has made and the abilities he has given us. Knowing that you are a person of worth helps you love God, know him personally, and make a valuable contribution to those around you.
GOD’S IMAGE IS SHARED EQUALLY BY WOMEN AND MEN.
God made both man and woman in his image. Neither man nor woman is made more in the image of God than the other. From the beginning the Bible places both man and woman at the pinnacle of God’s creation. Neither sex is exalted, and neither is depreciated.
BIBLE READING: Genesis 9:1-7
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Yes, you must execute anyone who murders another person, for to kill a person is to kill a living being made in God’s image. (Genesis 9:6)
GOD’S IMAGE IS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR IN ALL HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS.
Here God explains why murder is so wrong: To kill a person is to kill one made in God’s image. Because all human beings are made in God’s image, all people possess the qualities that distinguish them from animals: morality, reason, creativity, and self-worth. When we interact with others, we are interacting with beings made by God, beings to whom God offers eternal life. God wants us to recognize his image in all people.
BIBLE READING: Mark 12:13-17
KEY BIBLE VERSE: When they handed it to him, he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. “Well, then,” Jesus said, “give to Caesar what belongs to him. But everything that belongs to God must be given to God.” This reply completely amazed them. (Mark 12:16-17)
GOD’S IMAGE IN US MEANS THAT WE BELONG TO HIM.
The Pharisees and Herodians thought they had the perfect question to trap Jesus. But Jesus answered wisely, once again exposing their self-interest and wrong motives. Jesus said that the coin bearing the emperor’s image should be given to the emperor. But our life, which bears God’s image, belongs to God. Are you giving God all that is rightfully his? Give your life to God-you bear his image.