We were made in God’s image—and are like Him in mysterious ways. In the creation story, God revealed that human beings are set apart from every other created thing and, as such, have a special role. Examining what He says in those first moments helps us see ourselves in a new light and grow more thoughtfully into our full purpose here on earth.
Illustration by Sarah Cliff
BACKGROUND
Genesis 1 shows us who God is and what He did to set life on earth in motion.
READ
Genesis 1:1-31
REFLECT
What does it mean to be in the image of God?
In verse 26—whose meaning scholars have long debated—God says something that is unique to humankind: “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.” Notice the two words He uses. The Hebrew for “image,” tselem, means “a representation” or even “a shadow.” Therefore, to be made in God’s image indicates that we represent Him but are secondary to Him. The word for “likeness,” demuth, means “similarity” or “resemblance.” Since God is spirit (John 4:24), our resemblance is spiritual rather than physical.
The Hebrew word radah (Gen. 1:26) means “to rule over or subdue.” How does this command reveal our connection to God and our uniqueness among all creatures? What does being secondary tell you about how we should “rule”?
Genesis 1 describes God’s creativity in terms of speaking things into being (v. 3), organizing (v. 4), and making (v. 7). How is our creativity like God’s? How is it different?
The creation story doesn’t spell out exactly what makes us like God. Though it’s partially a mystery, what are some ways we can accept the responsibilities of resembling Him? How can we show humble gratitude for such an honored position?
CONTINUING THE STORY
The New Testament sheds light on our questions about the image of God.
In John 14:9, the Lord told Philip, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” And Paul said of Jesus, “He is the image of the invisible God” (Col. 1:15). In other words, our Savior was a tangible example of what it means to be like our unseen God. Notice that Christ’s actions in Scripture focused on healing, blessing, and teaching truth—and His primary purpose was to make a way for us to be restored to His Father’s kingdom (Col. 1:13). These acts are “creative” in the broadest sense, as they are life-giving rather than destructive. How do Jesus’ acts in the Gospels reflect God’s in Genesis 1?
For additional insight into God’s image, we can look to Jesus’ commands, which indicate attitudes and actions He prioritizes. For example, He said, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:39). What other commands of Jesus reveal His nature? Take a moment to review your week, and try to identify something that was loving or life-giving. Give thanks that you have been made in God’s image.
REFLECT
Even in the mystery, as we walk with Jesus, He helps us to grow in His likeness.
Believers not only are created “in His image” but also have Christ’s power within, which enables us to grow in godliness. When we draw near to Jesus, fix our gaze on Him, and walk carefully by His words, we do justice to God’s intended role for His children—that is, we are participants in His creation and becoming like His Son. As 1 John 3:2 (NLT) says, “He has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him.”
