The Image of God
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." (ESV)
Human beings, created in the image of God himself. What a remarkable honor to be bestowed upon us. But what does it mean? What does it mean to be made in the image of God? Does it imply that we possess innate attributes akin to those of God, making us in essence little gods? In the ancient Near Eastern context in which Moses recorded the creation story, an image of a god was either an idol possessed by someone or some community, or it was a king or leader whose dominion was so vast that they were viewed as a living representation or emissary of a god.
Now, these images serve various roles. An inanimate idol is meant to be a physical representation upon which one displays love and devotion to the deity it symbolizes. For example, offerings might be brought to the idol as gifts, though they are ultimately directed to the god it represents. The acts and services performed before the idol are essentially acts of worship rendered to the god. The idol functions as a conduit, providing direct access to the deity. This role embodies the noun form of something being an image of a god.
On the other hand, a living image of a god, such as a king or ruler, would carry out acts that reflect the purpose and desires of the god they represent. They serve as a tangible manifestation of the deity's will, imbued with power and authority to execute the plans of the god within their domain. These individuals not only embody the power of the god but also strive to reflect his values and characteristics.
So, what does it mean for human beings to be made in the image of God? Does this statement imply the active role of striving to live as representatives of the God we serve? Having authority from him to carry out his will? Or does it suggest a passive role where humans are the conduit through which we display our love and affection for God?
In Matthew 25, starting in verse 31, Jesus teaches about the culmination of all things. He prophetically speaks of his return in glory to rule over all of creation. He speaks of how he will distinguish between peoples, separating those who are participants in his kingdom from those who are not. He does this by assessing how individuals have treated and cared for those in vulnerable situations.
Matthew 25:35-37
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? (ESV)
Both the active and passive aspects are evident in this passage. By saying "I was," Jesus emphasizes that human beings are the passive form of the image. There are no moral or characteristic qualifiers attached to these individuals. Furthermore, he explicitly states that the treatment of these individuals reflects the treatment of himself.
The active aspect is also present, as people are distinguished by how well they reflect the will of God, which is manifested in caring for those in vulnerable situations. Throughout the biblical narrative, God implores, commands, and commissions us to care for one another. This act of caring for the least among us has been a primary way in which Christians participate in the Kingdom of God. As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate him, as the apostle Paul says.
Ephesians 5:1-2:
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (ESV)
We are called to execute his plans and purposes, representing him to the world and humanity. And we are called to recognize each and every human being as made in the image of God, providing us with the opportunity to express our love for God himself through our interactions with them. Take a moment to let that sink in! Each and every human being around you is an image of God, not that each and every human being around you images God. That means the person you don’t like is just as much an image as the person you do like, and that you are called to actively image God to everyone. We are called to love each and every human being as though we are loving Christ through them, and called to treat every person as we believe Christ himself would treat them.
Luke 10:25–28
And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” (ESV)