Pentecost 21 – Bearing the Image of God

Bearing the Image of God

A short reflection based on Exodus 33:12-23 and Matthew 22:15-22

A golden calf and a silver coin seem like very different objects. Yet both readings ask the same question: What deserves our deepest loyalty?

In Exodus, the people become afraid when Moses is away longer than expected. God seems distant, so they create something they can see and control. Their golden calf offers the illusion of certainty. We may not make statues from melted jewellery, but we still create idols. Success, money, political power, technology, or even the approval of others can begin to occupy the place that belongs to God.

Moses responds differently. He doesn’t create an easy answer. He asks God for reassurance: “Show me your glory.” God gives him only a glimpse. Faith doesn’t always provide complete certainty. Sometimes God gives us enough light for the next step and enough grace to continue the journey.

In Matthew, Jesus is shown a coin bearing Caesar’s image. He replies, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God.” The deeper question is this: what bears God’s image?

We do.

Every human being carries the image of God. Governments may claim our taxes, employers may purchase our time, and political groups may seek our support, but none of them owns our soul.

When we recognise God’s image in others, human dignity becomes sacred. We are called to resist systems that diminish people and to treat even those we find difficult with compassion, justice, and respect.

Our lives belong to the One whose image is already written within us.

Name your idols: Good things become dangerous when they receive the trust and devotion that belong to God.

Honour God’s image: Every person deserves dignity, compassion, justice, and love.

Ngā mihi
Philip

p.s. Worship leaders: You can buy a complete Order of Service and Sermon based on these readings here:  https://philipgarsidebooks.com/products/worship-at-hand-pentecost-21-18-october-2026