Welcome to this time of worship.
- Our service begins with the singing of one of two hymns, the more contemporary song being found here and the traditional hymn being here.
- The video and audio-only versions of the service are both located above.
- Following the blessing you are again invited to join in the singing of either a contemporary song or a traditional hymn.
Leading in worship today are: Mary Allison, Marilyn, Fiona and Andy.
To view the sermon only, copy & paste this link into your browser: https://youtu.be/gwRnV-Kx_24
“Whose Image Do We Bear?” SUMMARY: Matthew 22: 15-22
Some religious leaders attempt to trap Jesus with a politically and religiously sensitive question: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar? Under Roman rule, taxation represented not only an economic burden but also the power of an empire that challenged Jewish religious and political identity. Jesus avoids their trap asking whose image is shown on a silver denarius coin? Then, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
Paying Caesar’s taxes (or paying our current government taxes) is clearly required. Yet the deeper question is what are the ‘things’ that belong to God? What am I expected to ‘give’ to God? Genesis teaches that every human being is created in God’s image. We bear God’s image. No government, institution, or individual can claim absolute ownership over us. Our deepest allegiance belongs to God.
Faith is not separate from public life; it informs our public life. Bearing God’s image shapes how we treat our neighbours, use resources, respond to injustice, and address difficult social, environmental, political, and economic issues. We are called to approach these challenges with humility, compassion, honesty, and concern for the common good. We ‘give’ to God what belongs to God when we care for creation, welcome outsiders, feed the hungry, challenge injustice, seek reconciliation, and respect every person’s dignity. We do these things not to earn God’s love, but because we are already loved. Immensely loved! May our lives reflect God’s image through generosity, courage, humility, justice, and love.
What does it mean to ‘give God what belongs to God’ when we live in a society with competing needs, political disagreements, economic pressures, and deep divisions?
What responsibilities do I have to my community and the wider world as someone who bears God’s image?
Where might my faith be calling me to challenge injustice or extend compassion?
How might my words and actions honour the image of God in every person I meet?