The Image-Bearer By Andrea Leigh Capuyan

Being an Image-Bearer and Steward

Being a reflection of God changes how we respond in relationships – in love, life, and loss. Being God’s image-bearer transforms how we steward power and leadership.

I work as a leader in a ministry focused on the struggles of relationships and the broken strategies that impact us because of our broken response to love, life, and loss—the intersection of human frailty and human dignity. And for me, this means I want to foster a culture in the ministry that reflects the hope for human flourishing. It means thinking about what it means to be human and God’s design for us. We are his image-bearers – that His design for us.

Ceasar’s Coin

Then, they observed him and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They wanted to take advantage of what he might say so that they could deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor.  Thus, they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach correctly and show no partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right for us to pay the tribute tax to Caesar or not?” But Jesus perceived their deceit and said to them, “Show me a denarius. Whose image is on it?” They said, “Caesar’s.” So, he said to them, “Then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Thus, they were unable, in the presence of the people, to trap him with his own words. Stunned by his answer, they fell silent.

Luke 20: 20 – 26

Imagine this scene where Jesus takes this Roman coin and holds it up, drawing attention to Caesar’s image—one small coin—an image-bearer of an image-bearer. In a moment, he exposes the foolishness of false allegiance, emperor worship, and idolatry. At the same time, he challenges our notions of power.

This passage unmasked a profound tension. Bearing God’s image invites us to act with power, yet not in self-sufficiency or independence. The abuse of power leads to idolatry—centering control or attention on ourselves. As leaders, are we image-bearers or idols?

In the ancient world, Caesar’s coin provided privilege and access. It secured the necessities of food, clothing, and shelter. It was a source of protection. The image of Caesar was stamped on the currency. It was his image that gave a coin its value and weight. Without Caesar’s image, the coin is simply metal. Image-bearing is of significant consequence. Caesar’s coin was an extension of his power. It fortified his empire. It secured his reach. This coin – this image-bearer – affirms the presence and authority of a kingdom. Under Caesar’s rule, subjects were obligated to him if they desired power and influence. His ownership was complete, and his image was imprinted on their life. Through the power of currency, Caesar created dependency. Indeed, this ruler set himself up as a false god. Yet, the security this image-bearer offered was hollow and transitory.

Jesus resists the empty claim of this human system of dominion and ownership. He challenges his listeners to remember that they are image-bearers of the One greater than Caesar. The Father’s image, the weight of glory, is stamped on us. His Father’s abundance spans eternity. His power is imbued in us because we are marked as His. In doing so, He entrusts us with the wealth of His Kingdom—how rich we are!

The Father’s Image

Andy Crouch’s book Playing God is an in-depth exploration of this theme. His insight sparked many of my observations about image-bearing, and Andy offers much more than I can detail here.

As I consider the implications of this passage, I am reminded of the parable of talents. The response of the three stewards exemplifies the power of image-bearing. Their response tells the community about who they serve. Is he punishing or empowering? Their choices reflect either a master who is vengeful from whom they must hide or one who empowers his servants to produce abundance—the power of a good God.

As God’s currency, we are not just a means of transaction but an integral part of His plan, an extension of His power and presence, just like the coin. Jesus challenges us today. On whom are we dependent? In whom do we trust? To whom do we submit? Who owns us? Did He not purchase us with His very breath and life?

We understand the power of this coin because money is a mechanism of power and idolatry in our world today. As God’s currency – his image-bearers – we hold power to influence and to corrupt. We have the power of choice, and our choices have an impact. We can use our power to produce and multiply – to bring abundance and fruitfulness. Our power can be generous or greedy. How do we allow God to extend his influence through us? Where do we invest our energy? Where do we lay claims of ownership? Where is there self-promotion and pride?

His Imprint on Us

God must imprint His image on us. He must be our ruler first before his power can extend through us. Through the Holy Spirit, he first molds his image in our hearts. He nurtures justice, mercy, goodness, beauty, kindness, and hope in us. We become – one small coin – that is shaped for his purpose and power. This encounter between Jesus and His enemies is no simple happenstance. Three chapters later, Jesus gives His very life for the sake of the Kingdom. Jesus’ provocative words still resound – Will we give to God what is His – our very life?

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Andrea Leigh Capuyan serves on the Center for Steward Leader Studies board and is executive director for the LPC – a local ministry helping individuals impacted by unintended pregnancy, reproductive loss, and post-abortion recovery. Andrea also provides coaching and consultation, assisting others in experiencing abundance as a leader. She is a Credentialed Christian Nonprofit Leader (CCNL) with the Christian Leadership Alliance. She holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership from York University.

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