What does "Whose image is this?" teach about our identity in Christ? Setting the Scene • The Pharisees hand Jesus a denarius. • “ ‘Whose image is this,’ He asked, ‘and whose inscription?’ ” (Matthew 22:20). • When they answer, “Caesar’s,” He replies, “ ‘Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s’ ” (v. 21). • The coin carries Caesar’s likeness, so it rightfully goes back to Caesar. What, then, carries God’s likeness? Bearing God’s Image from the Beginning • “So God created man in His own image” (Genesis 1:27). • Every human life is stamped with the Creator’s imprint—mind, will, emotions, and capacity for relationship. • Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the LORD’s … and all who dwell therein.” We belong to Him because His image is upon us. The Image Marred by Sin • The fall (Genesis 3) distorted—not erased—God’s likeness. • Romans 3:23 shows the universal effect: “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” • Like a tarnished coin, the image is still there but obscured. Restored in Christ • Colossians 1:15: “The Son is the image of the invisible God.” • Through faith, we are united to the One who perfectly bears that image. • Colossians 3:10: we “have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” • Romans 8:29: we are “predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.” • 2 Corinthians 3:18: we are “being transformed into His image from glory to glory.” What “Whose Image Is This?” Teaches about Our Identity • Ownership: If Caesar’s coin belongs to Caesar, image-bearers belong to God. • Value: A coin’s worth is tied to its imprint; our worth flows from God’s stamp on us. • Purpose: Coins circulate to advance a kingdom; believers circulate to advance God’s kingdom (Matthew 28:19-20). • Accountability: Just as Caesar expects tribute, God expects devotion—heart, soul, mind, strength (Mark 12:30). • Restoration: In Christ we move from marred to renewed, reflecting Jesus to the world. Living as His Image-Bearers 1. Worship: Offer every area of life back to its rightful Owner (Romans 12:1). 2. Holiness: “Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness” (Ephesians 4:24). 3. Stewardship: Time, talents, possessions—render them to God because they carry His mark (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). 4. Relationships: See others as fellow image-bearers; extend dignity, forgiveness, and love (James 3:9-10). 5. Hope: One day “They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads” (Revelation 22:4)—the image fully and forever restored. Practical Takeaways • Start each day remembering: “I bear God’s image; I belong to Him.” • When facing temptation, ask: “Does this reflect the image I carry?” • In conversation, treat every person as a divine image-bearer, no matter how marred. • Let gratitude fuel obedience: the One whose image you bear also paid the price to restore it. Whose image is this? On a coin—Caesar’s. On you—God’s. Therefore, render yourself wholly to Him. |
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