What does "Whose image is this?" reveal about our identity in Christ? Setting the Scene Matthew 22:20: “‘Whose image is this,’ He asked, ‘and whose inscription?’” Jesus holds up a Roman denarius. Caesar’s portrait is etched on its face. The point is simple: the coin carries Caesar’s image, so it rightfully belongs to Caesar. Then, by quiet implication, anything stamped with God’s image belongs to God. The Coin Versus the Crown of Creation • The denarius: made by men, bearing Caesar’s likeness, signaling human authority. • Humanity: handcrafted by God, bearing His likeness, signaling divine ownership (Genesis 1:26-27). Created in God’s Image—Our Original Identity Genesis 1:27: “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” What this means: • Reflective capacity—reason, creativity, moral awareness. • Relational capacity—designed for fellowship with God and each other. • Representative capacity—called to steward creation on God’s behalf. Marred but Not Erased The fall (Genesis 3) cracks the mirror but does not shatter it beyond recognition. We still carry His imprint, but sin distorts the reflection (Romans 3:23). The denarius can be scratched, yet Caesar’s face remains; likewise, God’s image persists in us. Restored in Christ—The True Image-Bearer Colossians 1:15: “The Son is the image of the invisible God…” • Jesus perfectly shows what unblemished image-bearing looks like. • At salvation we are united with Him; His flawless image becomes the template for our renewal (Romans 8:29). Colossians 3:9-10: “…you have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” 2 Corinthians 3:18: “…being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory…” Ownership Reaffirmed Matthew 22:21 concludes: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” If Caesar’s image on a coin demands allegiance, God’s image on us demands everything. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “…you are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.” Living Out Our Stamped Identity • Worth: Your value is fixed by God’s inscription, not by culture’s appraisal. • Purpose: Reflect Christ in speech, work, relationships—where His image shines brightest. • Holiness: Choose actions fitting for God’s property; sin smudges the imprint but repentance polishes it anew. • Mission: See every neighbor as a fellow image-bearer; honor and evangelize accordingly. In a Sentence “Whose image is this?”—Asked of a coin, it settled tax politics; asked of us, it settles our identity: created by God, redeemed in Christ, owned by the One whose likeness we carry. |
    |