Sunday School Lesson: Made in the Image of God

Main Takeaway: God created us to be like him. It is a great mystery whether our physical form is similar to God, as no one has ever seen God, but we can adopt the spirit of God and share God’s spiritual traits.

Lesson Objective: Young people will learn the difference between a physical image of God and the spiritual image of God and what it means to be created in His image.

Key Verse: Ephesians 4:24: And to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

God Created Us in His Image

In the creation story of Genesis 1, God brings our world into existence. Piece by piece, He creates light, water, and land to form the world. Then he creates plants and animals to inhabit the world. His last accomplishment in the seven days of creation is to create human beings. Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him.”   

God approves of each part of His developing Creation by saying, “It is good.” After He creates people he states, “And it was very good.” God’s work is complete with the addition of Adam and Eve to the world. God’s people are a special part of His creation, made to rule over Earth and all its elements—the water, land, plants, and animals. He breathes His own breath of life into them and looks at the people in His new Creation with approval.

Our Image as Human Beings

How many of you looked in the mirror—or spent a little extra time getting ready—before coming to church today? Did you like what you saw? We often pay close attention to how we look on the outside. We want to wear nice clothes and style our hair in a way that looks good and feels right. (Younger students: Or maybe your parents helped you get ready!) The way we present ourselves is part of our “image”—how we want others to see us. Many companies make a lot of money by selling clothes, shoes, and accessories that help people feel popular or stylish. This is especially true for kids and teens, who often care about having the right brands and the latest styles.

What Is the Image of God?

What does it mean in Genesis 1:27, where it says, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him”?

The Bible teaches that we are made in God’s image—this is called the Imago Dei, which is a Latin phrase that literally means “image of God.” This doesn’t mean we look like God on the outside, but that we are like Him on the inside in special ways. God made us able to love, be kind, make good choices, and care for others. This is important because it reminds us that every person is valuable and special to God. When we treat others with kindness and respect, we are reflecting God’s image in us.

The verse in Genesis does not necessarily mean that we physically resemble God, or even that God has a physical form, a visible image. No person has seen God (John 1:18a), although many people physically saw Jesus—God made flesh (John 1:14)—during his time on earth. The Bible also tells us that one day, we who believe in Christ will see God clearly face to face: "For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known" (1 Cor. 13:12).

For now, we must focus on another meaning of the word image. It goes beyond simply a physical likeness or representation. The “image of God” means that God created people to reflect who He is in their character and actions. It’s not about our reputation or the value the world may (or may not) put upon us, but about how we are inherently made to be like Him in important ways—such as showing love, kindness, wisdom, creativity, and a sense of right and wrong. God created us with the ability to live by these same traits as creatures created in His image. Being made in God’s image also means we have a special purpose—to represent Him in the world and care for what He has made. 

Our true identity is as God’s image-bearers. When we live in light of this, we will learn to “....put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24). This is our true image, apart from our appearance.

Activity Idea: “Reflecting the Image of God”

Give each student a plain sheet of paper and a mirror (or allow them to pair up and observe each other briefly if mirrors are limited). Ask them to spend a moment quietly looking at their reflection.

Then have them write at the top of the page:
“I am made in God’s image.”

Explain that being made in God’s image is not about what we look like, but about who we are created to be—people who reflect God’s character.

Next, guide students to divide their paper into three sections:

• Who God Is – Help students list simple attributes of God (loving, truthful, kind, holy, faithful, creative, compassionate, just).
• How God Made Me – Have students write or draw ways they are uniquely made (able to think, feel, love, create, choose right from wrong, have relationships).
• What I Reflect – Instruct students to circle or highlight traits from the first two sections that show how they reflect God’s image in who they are, not just what they do.

For younger students, you can simplify by having them draw a self-portrait in the center and surround it with words like “loved,” “known by God,” and “made by God.”

Close by having students stand together and repeat:
“I am made in God’s image.”

Optional memory verses for older students:

Genesis 1:27 (ESV):
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

Ephesians 4:24 (ESV):
“And to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Closing Prayers for Image of God Sunday School Lesson

For Younger Students: Lord, help me to live remembering that I am made in God's Image and that, through His Spirit, I can be kind and loving. Let me show this love to other people. Amen.

For Older Students: Lord, when I care too much about my popular image, remind me of the value I already have, simply by being created in your image, which you said was "very good." Help me show love and forgiveness to all my friends, family, and even those who don’t treat me very well. Thank you for loving us first and creating us in your image as special creations from the very beginning of the world. Amen.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Sasiistock

Betty Dunn hopes her writing leads you to holding hands with God. A former high school English teacher, editor, and nonprofit agency writer, she now works on writing projects from her home in West Michigan, where she enjoys woods, water, pets and family. Check out her blog at Betty by Elizabeth Dunning and her website, www.elizabethdunning-wix.com.