In His Image | Luke 20:20-22
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The Power of the Story: The Brave and the Snake
Today’s message began with an ancient tale about a young Native American brave who encounters a rattlesnake on a snowy mountain. The snake, using flattery and manipulation, persuades the young man to carry him down to safety—only to betray him with a bite. This story mirrors how easily we can be swayed by convincing words, flattery, and the desire to be needed or special. It’s a call to recognize the wisdom of knowing what (and who) is truly trustworthy, especially when it comes to our identity and allegiance.
Jesus and the Trap of the Coin
Shifting to the New Testament, the account of Jesus in Luke 20 presents a classic trap. Religious authorities tried to ensnare Him with the question: “Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” The question put Jesus in a tight spot, as either answer appeared to risk either His safety or His reputation among His people.
Jesus responds with wisdom, asking to see a coin, noting Caesar’s image upon it, and declaring, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” This statement not only sidesteps the political trap but also illuminates a greater truth: just as the coin bears Caesar’s image and belongs to him, we bear God’s image and belong to God.
Being Made in God’s Image: The Foundation of Our Identity
Genesis 1 declares that humanity was created in God’s image. Before we had job titles, reputations, or achievements, God’s image was stamped upon us. This is a powerful and foundational truth for every person. It’s common to spend energy managing how we’re perceived, wearing “masks” and presenting images to others that we think are expected of us. However, what truly matters is the original image—the one God placed in us from creation.
The Pressures that Shape Us
Our world is full of pressures to conform—to culture, social media standards, workplace expectations, and much more. Just as Silly Putty takes on the image of whatever it’s pressed against, our identity and sense of worth can easily become shaped by whatever is “loudest” around us unless we intentionally seek to be formed by God’s truth.
Ask yourself: What voices or values are you pressing your heart and mind against each day? Are they shaping you into the image you were created to reflect, or causing you to drift into something less true and less life-giving?
Restoring the Image: How Jesus Makes Us Whole
Jesus is described in scripture as “the image of the invisible God”—the perfect example of humanity as God intended. His life demonstrates what it means to love, serve, and honor God fully. He noticed the unseen, pursued the outcast, loved the unlovable, and served sacrificially. Drawing close to Him through prayer, scripture, and quiet reflection allows God’s Spirit to transform us, day by day, so that His original image in us becomes increasingly visible.
Removing the Masks
In ancient Greek theater, actors wore masks to project certain emotions or personas. We can do the same in our daily lives, swapping out masks to appear successful, strong, compassionate, or put-together. But these masks, while sometimes serving a purpose, can keep us from living authentically as God’s beloved children. The invitation of the Gospel is to remove our masks and discover the original face God created—to be known and loved as we truly are.
Why This Matters for the World
There’s no shortage of performances and projections in our culture. What’s in short supply is authenticity rooted in God’s truth. When we take off our masks and embrace who God created us to be, it awakens something in those around us. We were never meant to keep God’s image for ourselves alone, but to reflect His character and love to the world.
Practical Ways to Reflect God’s Image
Pay attention to the overlooked. Notice those who are lonely or ignored, and reach out with kindness and genuine care.
Serve those who can’t repay you. Look for opportunities to offer help or support without expecting anything in return.
Regular time with God. Commit to prayer, reading scripture, and quiet reflection to let God shape your heart and mind.
Practice authenticity. Be honest about your struggles and your story. Take off the mask and allow others to see the real, God-created you.
Engage in transformation. Invite the Holy Spirit to restore and renew any area of your life that does not align with God’s design for you.
Summary: You Belong to God
Just as Caesar’s coin belonged to Caesar because it bore his image, you belong to God because you bear His. Living “all in” means embracing and reflecting this truth in every aspect of life. When we live as people made in God’s image, we not only find our deepest purpose but also point the world back to their Creator.
May these reminders shape how you see yourself and interact with others in the days to come.
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Opening Reflection
Begin with prayer, thanking God for His Word and the truth that each person is made in His image. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your time together.
Icebreaker:
Share a time when you recognized the "image of God" in someone else. What stood out to you about that experience?
Sermon Highlights
The sermon opens with a story about a young man who trusts a snake due to flattery, paralleling it with how Jesus faced religious leaders attempting to entrap him with insincere questions.
A central teaching of the message is Jesus's response: "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." The sermon unpacks what it means to belong to God because we bear His image.
The message explores how people often project various "masks" rather than living from the true image God has created.
The transformative work of Jesus is emphasized as both an example of true humanity and the source by which believers can be restored to their original purpose—to reflect God's image to the world.
Discussion Questions
Scripture Engagement
Read Luke 20:20–26.
What was the intent behind the religious leaders’ question to Jesus about paying taxes to Caesar?
How does Jesus’s answer transcend the trap they set for Him?
Read Genesis 1:26–27.
What does it mean to be made "in the image of God"?
Identity & Transformation
The sermon states, "Just as the image stamped on the coin made it Caesar’s, the image stamped on you and I at creation makes us God’s."
How does this truth shape your understanding of your worth and identity?
The message describes how we often focus on managing different images or masks in front of others.
What "masks" are you tempted to wear in different areas of your life?
Why do you think we are drawn to present these projected images rather than living from our God-given identity?
Following Christ
Jesus is described as "the Son, who is the image of the invisible God."
In what ways did Jesus show us what it means to bear God's image in His relationships and actions?
How might you follow His example in your interactions this week?
The sermon says, "The closer we get to Christ, the more the capacity to live the Christ-like God honoring life comes alive in us."
Share specific practices that help you draw closer to Christ and become more like Him.
Application
The message challenges listeners: "Have we given ourselves back to Him?"
What does it look like practically to give "to God what is God’s" in your daily life, at work, at home, and in the community?
Reflect on this encouragement: "The only way we can give him what is his is if we first receive what he has already given us—Christ, his perfect life, his perfect love, his death for our sins, and his resurrection power."
How does receiving the gift of Christ empower you to live out your true identity?
Prayer Prompts
Ask God to reveal any "masks" you are wearing and give you courage to live from your true identity in Christ.
Pray for a deeper awareness of being made in God’s image and for the strength to reflect that image in your relationships and decisions.
Invite God to continually restore and transform you by the Holy Spirit.
Takeaway
Reflect throughout the week:
Where is God inviting you to press more fully into His image and trust in who He has created you to be?
How can your life point others to the beauty and reality of Christ, the true image of God?