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From Lord to Servant – From Heaven to the Cross

Articles October 9, 2022 Leave a comment

“[Christian leadership] seeks to serve. Encourage and inspire. Respect rather than exploit others. He reflects, prays and acts according to the words of Jesus Christ…”

Anthony D’Souza

Before one develops today´s topic, as always, it is important to mention that the English version of this article has been translated from the Spanish version of Towards Excellence (https://hacialaexcelencia.org/2022/10/09/de-senor-a-siervo-del-cielo-a-la-cruz/); not necessarily from the original texts and works of authors here cited.

Anthony D’Souza, in his book “Developing the Leader within you” states that when discussing leadership skills and people management we must remember that Christian leadership implies service. And that in fact when considering the Church or para-church organizations, this concept of service is more easily assimilated. However, when it comes to corporations and businesses in general, the term “service” is seen as out of place.

D’Souza expresses that part of the confusion may stem from a lack of understanding of the true concept of leadership. And he emphasizes that for many, leadership implies power, authority, honor, prestige, or personal advantage. And of course, none of that constitutes Christian leadership, he stresses.[1]  And, in fact, he describes it this way:

“[Christian leadership] seeks to serve. Encourage and inspire. Respect rather than exploit others. He reflects, prays and acts according to the words of Jesus Christ: ´…but whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your servant; as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many’ (Matthew 20:26-28)”. (D’Souza, Developing the Leader within You 1994)

Here it is worth noting that while servant leadership is a timeless concept, the phrase “servant leadership” was coined by renowned author Robert K. Greenleaf, in his essay, “The Servant as Leader,” essay that was originally published in 1970.[2]  In that essay, Greenleaf stated:

TE-Souza-eng“A servant leader focuses on the growth and well-being of individuals and the communities to which they belong. While traditional leadership generally involves the accumulation and exercise of power by one at the “top of the pyramid,” servant leadership is different. The servant leader shares power, puts the needs of others first, and helps people develop and perform at their best.” (Greenleaf, Center for Servant Leadership 2016)

If servant leadership as a phrase was coined and spread since the 70s; its concept, its very essence is tremendously older; in fact, timeless as Greenleaf has said. And it is that more than 2,000 years ago, servant leadership was actually modeled, practiced and spread by our Lord Jesus Christ.

At the beginning of the ministry of Jesus, it was He who taught leadership to his disciples, both with the exposition of his Word and through his works. Ultimately, empowered leaders, says Anthony D’Souza, are those who challenge the status quo and forge new paths. In fact, Jesus taught his disciples to be leaders who change attitudes and traditions, as shown in Matthew 23: 1-36 and Mark 7: 9,13.[3]

In “Empowering Leadership,” another of author Anthony D’Souza’s books, he clearly states:

“With the power of Scripture, with the persuasion of vivid parables, and with the poignancy of example from his own life, He [Jesus] taught [his disciples] how to lead his people.” (D’Souza, Empowering Leadership 2001)

No one could deny that Jesus’ style of leadership was unique and unusual. Let’s look at a few instances, during which Jesus provided leadership:[4]

  • Jesus healed the leper – He really cared and responded to the needs that were presented to him.
  • He evicted the merchants from the temple and cleansed it – He confronted an entire institution.
  • He conversed with the Samaritan woman at the well – He broke down the barriers.
  • He visited the house of Zacchaeus, the publican (tax collector) – He provoked the dialogue.
  • He defended the woman whom the Pharisees wanted to stone – He bravely argued and defended his case.
  • He washed the feet of his disciples – He set the example for him.
  • He was hung on a cross – He gave his life in sacrifice, to become a reconciler.

For the purposes of this study, we will take a closer look at one of the above cases. And we will focus on the one related to the woman who was about to be stoned by the Pharisees, whose story we find in John 8:3-11.

Robert K. Greenleaf, in his essay, “The Servant as Leader,” discusses Jesus’ leadership in this passage from the following perspective:

“A leader must have more of an armor of confidence in facing the unknown — more than those who accept his leadership…a very firm belief that in the stress of real life situations one can compose oneself in a way that permits the creative process to operate…Jesus sits there writing in the sand…In the
pressure of the moment, having assessed the situation rationally, he assumes the attitude of withdrawal that will allow creative insight to function.…And a great one came, one that has kept story of the incident alive for 2,000 years —  ‘Let him that is without sin among you cast the first stone.'” (Greenleaf, The Servant as Leader 2008)

Who could have resisted these words? Who could have refuted them? As Greenleaf says, Jesus could have delighted the crowd with rational arguments about the superiority of compassion over torture. He could have presented a good logical argument for it.[5]  But he did not! And rather, with authority and knowledge he raised the challenge already stated, and then the crowd stepped back, one by one:

“But they, hearing this, accused by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning from the oldest to the last; and Jesus was left alone, and the woman who was in the middle.” (John 8:9)

Jesus was a leader; he had a goal and that was clearly to bring more compassion into people’s lives.[6]

“Jesus straightened up, and seeing no one but the woman, he said to her: Woman, where are those who accused you? Did no one condemn you? She said: None, Lord. Then Jesus said to him: Neither do I condemn you; go away and sin no more.” (John 8:10-11)

Clearly Jesus, as a servant leader, demonstrated in this episode his total compassion for the brokenhearted and even sinners. As true as this woman had sinned, it was also true that she had been publicly humiliated; and Jesus responded immediately in her defense and protection, safeguarding her dignity; without this meaning that He has tolerated her sin. On the contrary, as her Word says, Jesus did not condemn her, but he was emphatic in directing her to a life that does not contemplate sin as an alternative.

And so, continuing with our analysis of servant leadership, the renowned D.L. Moody raised the following reflection:

“The measure of a man is not how many servants he has, but how many men he serves.” (Núñez, Jesús, el hombre que desafió al mundo y confronta tu vida. “Jesus, the man who challenged the world and confronts your life” 2018)

It should then be noted that Jesus, the image of the invisible God; in fact, the very Creator of the universe was seen in different and many instances, as a servant. It is inconceivable, as stated by Dr. Miguel Núñez, that the Creator of the world was seen serving the creature. That he who sustains the universe (Hebrews 1: 3), would kneel to wash the feet of his disciples (John 13: 1-17).[7]

But Jesus, throughout his earthly life, left us, without a doubt, a model of service and humility. And to support what has been said, let us analyze how from the incarnation of Jesus to his death, this was a tremendous reality. For this purpose, we will refer to the extraordinary study presented by Miguel Núñez, in his book, “Jesus, the man who challenged the world and confronts your life.”[8]

  • Jesus, from before the creation of the world, existed in the form of God, but he did not considerSilhouette of catholic cross and sunrisehimself to be equal to God. He humbled himself, was obedient and obedient until death on the cross.

“ Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8)

  • Entering this world, he does so in a manger, devoid of everything; only with the company of the earthly parents of him.

“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:1-7)

  • When it came to serving, Jesus never asked his disciples to do anything that he hadn’t done before.

“You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.  If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.  For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” (John 13:13-15)

  • In his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, at the time of being acclaimed as King, he does so on a donkey and not on a horse as was usual for royalty.

“And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here.  If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’”  So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” And they said, “The Lord has need of it.”  And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it.” (Luke 19:28-35)

  • Jesus in his first coming, brought a message of peace and not of war, with the sole purpose of reconciling man with God. Therefore, to fulfill this purpose, the only way was the cross.

“All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—everyone—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth.” (Isaiah 53:6-7)

  • “For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. (Colossians 1:19-20)

With all of the above, it is important that we as servant leaders understand this profound teaching so that our leadership reflects the character of Jesus and replicates his model of leadership. Núñez sums it up this way:

  • “There is no exaltation without humiliation: the incarnation first and the glorification later.
  • There is no glory without suffering: the cross and then the glory.
  • There is no crown without a cross: first the service and then the coronation”. (Núñez, Jesus, the man who challenged the world and confronts your life 2018)

And he magnificently adds:

“In a single sentence uttered by Jesus it is shown the model of his leadership: ‘the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve’ (Matthew 20:28). His life of service so honored the Father that, in Philippians 2:9-11, the apostle Paul says that the Father gave him a name above all names ‘ so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,  and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.’” (Núñez, Jesus, the man who challenged the world and confronts your life 2018)

Extraordinarily, the Lord of lords humbled himself as a servant, left his throne in heaven, stripped Himself of His royalty and still did not spare being equal to God; and He came to earth with only one purpose, to reconcile the sinner with God, giving His life as a ransom for many; He humbled Himself to the utmost and was obedient to the point of death on the cross! He died so that through His death we sinners may have life and life to the full!

[1] Anthony D´Souza, Developing the Leader within You (Singapore: Haggai Centre for Advanced Leadership Studies, 1994), 4-5.

[2] Robert K. Greenleaf, “The Servant as Leader,” https://www.greenleaf.org/what-is-servant-leadership/

[3] Anthony D´Souza, Empowering Leadership (Singapore: Haggai Institute, 2001), ix-xi.

[4] Anthony D´Souza, Empowering Leadership (Singapore: Haggai Institute, 2001), x.

[5] Robert K. Greenleaf, The Servant as Leader (Westfiel, IN: The Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership, 2008), 29.

[6] Robert K. Greenleaf, The Servant as Leader (Westfield, IN: The Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership, 2008), 29.

[7] Miguel Núñez, Jesús, el hombre que desafió al mundo y confronta tu vida (Nashville, NT: B&H Publishing Group, 2018), 37.

[8] Miguel Núñez, Jesús, el hombre que desafió al mundo y confronta tu vida (Nashville, NT: B&H Publishing Group, 2018), 38.

The Servant Leader as a Reflection of the Excellency of Christ – Introduction

Articles September 11, 2022 Leave a comment

“God, through the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ, has redeemed their distorted and feeble attempts to portray His image. The effects of the fall are being reversed…”

Richard D. Allen

While I had the privilege of studying for my master’s degree in South Korea, I also had the privilege of meeting so many people who impacted my life tremendously. One of them, Dr. Sang Bok David Kim, who was one of my teachers. I remember that after two years of study, I became critically ill; however, I attended classes normally, although on several occasions, I felt very, very weak, that I could hardly concentrate. Suddenly, while I leaned back on my desk for a while, I felt a hand patting me, followed by words full of sweetness, like a father speaking to his sick daughter. That was Dr. Kim, who stopped teaching his class, to come to my place and lift my spirits, amid the pain I faced.

Dr. Kim, a recognized leader in South Korea and beyond. President Emeritus of Torch Trinity Graduate University, Pastor Emeritus of Hallelujah Community Church, Global Ambassador of Transform World Network, among other important leadership positions; but, above all, a servant leader who reflected the character of Christ, leaving his academic platform and bending down to lift the heart of a student weakened by illness. A leader with a father’s heart!

But before one develops today´s topic, as always, it is important to mention that the English version of this article has been translated from the Spanish version of Towards Excellence (https://hacialaexcelencia.org/2022/09/11/el-lider-siervo-como-reflejo-de-la-excelencia-de-cristo-introduccion/); not necessarily from the original texts and works of authors here cited.

Thus, after this extensive but very necessary journey, it has been discovered and verified that the Triune Creator God is certainly the God of excellence. His character and His creation evidence so.

Therefore, this extensive previous study has allowed us to lay the foundations for the following analysis and discussion, and which will focus on what concerns Christian leadership, whose actors are certainly bearers of the image and likeness of God, and consequently are challenged to be an example of excellence in their sphere of influence.

Starting from this premise, we now consider it appropriate to quote Genesis again:

Gen1-28_eng“Then God said, ´Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.´ So, God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, ´Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.´”

Erickson, taking the above passage as a reference, highlights that the human being has a unique place in creation; and not only that, but he has been placed above it; in fact, he has dominion over it. He also adds that our value as humans is great, because we are the highest of creatures except angels.[1]

On the other hand, Richard D. Allen, in his book “The Genesis Principle of Leadership: Claiming and Cultivating Your Created Capacity” states that each person possesses in equal proportion the attributes imparted by God in the incredible act of creation; and that leadership characteristics emerge from God-given attributes. Therefore, as each human being, men and women, is created in the image of God, this means that they possess equal capacity and full potential for effective leadership. Thus, when we human beings reflect the created attributes of God, then we are leading.[2]  And Allen further emphasizes:

“Your call to bear the image of God has a profound impact on the way you approach the task of leadership. As His image bearer, God commands him to be a leader. ´Rule!´ From the very creation of the world, you have been commanded to exercise dominion, to lead over all creation…You must lead God’s creation but only in a way that is consistent with His character – His attributes” . (Allen 2008)

And continuing with this interesting study of Allen, it is appropriate to highlight that God’s mandate, His commission since Genesis, has not changed at all. His mandate is in effect to fill the earth with His glory and rule over it. Now, there is a great obstacle that has appeared in the way, and that great obstacle is sin. It has wreaked havoc, impeding our ability to faithfully fulfill God’s command. It has perverted the pure and righteous attributes that God entrusted to humanity since creation. And it seems that everything reached a point of hopelessness. Fortunately, as Allen says, the biblical story does not end there, with the fall of man, condemned to a futile and hopeless struggle to be the bearer of the image of God, without any success. We see rather that a great door is opened, and God’s created attributes are redeemed![3]   So Allen specifies:

Man strive hand to a God

“God, through the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ, has redeemed their distorted and feeble attempts to portray His image. The effects of the fall are being reversed…Through Christ, you have been reinstated, newly commissioned to be God’s image-bearing leader…You are to fill creation with the glory of God reflecting His righteous government through leadership that you exert on your corner of creation.” (Allen 2008)

With this in mind, and understanding that as God’s creation, all human beings have received the call to rule over creation; consequently, to lead; it is important now that we focus on the study of Christian leadership, the focus of this research. Thus, stay tuned!

[1] Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2003), 512-513.

[2] Richard D. Allen, The Genesis Principle of Leadership: Claiming and Cultivating Your Created Capacity (Mustang, OK: Tate Publishing & Enterprises, LLC, 2008), 23-24.

[3] Richard D. Allen, The Genesis Principle of Leadership: Claiming and Cultivating Your Created Capacity (Mustang, OK: Tate Publishing & Enterprises, LLC, 2008), 44-45.

A Heart Marked by the Excellence of God

Articles August 14, 2022 Leave a comment

“Man is said to be after the image of God, not as regards his body, but as regards that whereby he excels other animals…by his reason and intelligence.”

St. Thomas

Very happy to share with you a new article in the series on the “Excellence of God.” Enjoy it!

Having understood that the mark of God’s excellence is the image of Him impregnated within the soul of the human being; and even more so, having understood that Jesus is the living image, the exact reproduction of God the Creator Father; the precise path has been traced to elucidate how the heart of God is reflected in the heart of the human being.

Let us consider here the reasoning of St. Thomas, which reads as follows:

“Man is said to be after the image of God, not as regards his body, but as regards that whereby he excels other animals. Hence, when it is said, Let us make man in our image and likeness, it is added, And let him have dominion over the fishes of the sea (Genesis 1.26). Now man excels all animals by his reason and intelligence; hence it is according to his intelligence and reason, which are incorporeal, that man is said to be according to the image of God.” (Piper, Desiring God 1971)

St Thomas

John Piper, in his study “The Image of God”, shares the following support in this line:

“The early church fathers were quite agreed that the image of God in man consisted primarily in man’s rational and moral characteristics, and in his capacity for holiness.” (Piper, Desiring God 1971)

Thus, God has deposited in the heart of the human being a part of His being, establishing a great difference between the creation of man and woman; and the other created beings, such is the case of the animals, who do not carry within themselves the image of the Triune Creator God.

According to the analysis of David Casas and Russell Fuller, in their article “God’s Image – The Difference Maker,” when examining how man is similar to God, it is excludeH of course the physical body since God is Spirit (John 4:24). And, on the other hand, creature limitations are excluded since God is infinite, eternal, and immutable in all His attributes (Psalm 90:2; Malachi 3:6; Jeremiah 23:24). On the other hand, man resembles God by having a free, rational, and personal spirit, which includes, say the authors, a conscience with the law of God written in his heart; therefore, man can rule over nature in a similar way as God reigns.[1]  Let us quote Romans 2 here to support this truth:

“For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 2:14-16)

Therefore, the heart of the human being is not only marked by the image of God, but the very law of God has been written in it. And this, without exception, all human beings, men and women; boys, and girls; healthy and sick; without socioeconomic distinction. Absolutely all of us are bearers of the image of God; and we all carry the law of God written in our hearts. In the same way for both believers and unbelievers. All human creation, without exception!

The fact that man resembles God, that his heart bears God’s mark of excellence, has at least three profound implications.

According to the study by Casas and Fuller, the following are said implications,[2]  which we will detail one by one.

1. The Image of God Establishes Human Dignity

Here it is possible to expose the atheistic and the pantheistic thought. According to the cited authors, by denying the image of God, atheism diminishes human dignity and reduces man to a fortuitous or casual event, as if he were an evolutionary product of matter, or a simple animal. Pantheism, on the other hand, denies the image of God and instead diminishes human dignity by exalting all of nature as a manifestation of God.

The Scriptures, however, testify to the dignity of man. Being created in the image and likeness of God, he is positioned above all nature. For this purpose, let us quote two very appropriate passages:

“Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beingsand crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet” (Psalm 8:5-6)

“Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26)

2. The Image of God Establishes the Sacredness of Life

The authors point out that atheist cultures reject the sacredness of life while devaluing the lives of the born and unborn as state policy. However, the Word of God protects the sacredness of life in its laws. And with respect to this subject, what is stated in Genesis 9:6 has been sufficiently discussed before (in previous articles). God decrees that if someone commits murder, the murderer must still lose his life, because man is made in the image of God. The authors here emphasize that the crime is really a direct assault against God. In fact, in a situation, such as the one exposed in Genesis 9:6, God will personally search for the murderer and will hold him responsible.

Along these lines, it is interesting how John Calvin observed that because man is the bearer of the image of God, God considers Himself “violated in his person”, in other words, “the victim”. Therefore, he says, you cannot harm another human being without harming God Himself.

The authors conclude that God created the sacred life of man. If this life is destroyed, there is no other way than divine judgment.

3. The Image of God Establishes the Necessity for God’s Redemption

If man would not have the image of God in his being, in his heart, the plan of redemption simply would not exist. It should be clarified that the above does not imply that possessing the image of God entitles sinners to redemption, but redemption requires that sinners have been created in His image.

It is tremendously interesting how Casas and Fuller explore this topic. And they say that God’s purpose for sending His Son in the likeness of man was to renew the image of God in humanity through the Gospel. Let’s examine Ephesians 4:

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

In fact, Christians have been known and predestined to conform to the image of His Son, according to Romans 8:

“For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (Romans 8:29)

Thus, the gospel, once received, renews the image that was marred both by Adam’s sin and by our own sin so that the believer can “bear the image of the heavenly”:

“Thus, it is written, ´The first man Adam became a living being´; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit… Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.” (1 Corinthians 15:45,49)

Image of beautiful young couple drinking coffee while walking by

Because God created us in His image, thus being crowned with glory and honor, and because of His infinite grace toward us undeserving sinners, God sent His Son to redeem us.

As human beings, we are tremendously privileged because our hearts have been marked with the very image of the invisible God. He has bestowed upon us dignity and holiness. He has instilled courage in us, regardless of our condition.

And not only that, but in the midst of our sinful condition, a condition that separates us and breaks communion with our Creator; and because of this, we are judged, singled out or discarded by our environment; it is amazing to know that He Himself has prepared the way for our redemption and restoration. Jesus Christ, the image of the invisible God, is such a way. And here it is worth quoting 2 Corinthians:

“And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)

Thus, for all the above, it is clear that Jesus is the image and fullness of God; therefore, human beings reestablish the image of God in their hearts, in His being, while Christ becomes the very center of their lives.

The excellence of the heart of God was definitely impregnated in our heart, now it is we who must expand the heart of God wherever we go.[3]

[1] David Casas and Russell Fuller, “God´s Image – The Difference Maker,” Answers in Genesis, https://answersingenesis.org/are-humans-animals/gods-image-difference-maker/

[2] David Casas and Russell Fuller, “God´s Image – The Difference Maker,” Answers in Genesis, https://answersingenesis.org/are-humans-animals/gods-image-difference-maker/

[3] Cecilia Yépez, “Excellence Stems from the Heart – Part 2”, Blog “Towards Excellence”, https://towardsexcellence.org/2017/04/10/excellence-stems-from-the-heart-part-2/

Jesus, the Image of the Invisible God

Articles July 9, 2022 Comments: 7

The Triune Creator God intends that a similar sense of fellowship, obedience, and love be the hallmarks of human relationship with Him, and that humans are united in love.

Now, to understand even more about the image of God, we will address the character of Jesus and his actions, since He is the perfect example of what human nature should have been. Again, and as presented by Erickson, we will refer part of his analysis for the purpose of this study, thus:[1]

  • Jesus had a perfect fellowship with the Father. A magnificent example of this is seen in John 17, through which it is affirmed that Jesus and the Father are one (v. 21, 22). Also, that Jesus glorifies the Father and that the Father glorifies Jesus (v. 1, 4, 5, 22, 24).
  • Jesus obeyed the Father’s will perfectly. And for that matter, it is important that we quote a couple of passages, like this:

“Jesus said to them: My food is that I do the will of Him who sent me, and to finish His work.” (John 4:34)

“I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.” (John 5:30)

Crown of thorns, hammer, bloody nails on ground. Good Friday, Passion of Jesus Christ. Christian Easter holiday. Top view, copy space. Crucifixion, resurrection of Jesus Christ. Gospel, salvation

“…Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away f from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42)

In these three shared passages, Jesus’ total submission to the Father is observed during his earthly life, such submission even in the Garden of Gethsemane, submission that led him in obedience to death and death on the cross.

  • Jesus always displayed a strong love for human beings. Again, let’s share a couple of passages for the respective analysis:

“But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36)

“Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, ´I am willing; be cleansed´.” (Mark 1:41)

“When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, ´Do not weep´. ” (Luke 7:13)

“Then Jesus said, ´Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do´.” (Luke 23:34)

We observe here Jesus’ concern for the lost sheep of Israel, his compassion and sorrow for the sick and suffering in general, as well as his patience and forgiveness for those who have failed.

The Triune Creator God intends that a similar sense of fellowship, obedience, and love be the hallmarks of human relationship with Him, and that humans are united in love. Erickson emphasizes that we are fully human only when we manifest these characteristics.

Col 1-15_engAnd so, we human beings who are bearers of the divine image, learn from Jesus, the image of the invisible God. The apostle Paul makes this clear in chapter 1 of his Epistle to the Colossians:

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” (Colossians 1:15)

And in fact, Colossians also corroborates it, in chapter 2:

“For in Him [Christ] dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” (Colossians 2:9)

It is extraordinary to understand through Scripture (Colossians 1:15-17) the great creative power of Jesus; and at the same time, how Jesus divests himself of this great divine power and incarnates himself, so that He comes to dwell on Earth and not only that, but also humbles himself and gives his life for the sin of humanity. Jesus existed before the foundation of time. Jesus reveals God to us and teaches us human beings, bearers of God’s image, how to act as such bearers. Philippians 2, is a very good example:

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore, God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name…” (Philippians 2:5-9)

Returning to Colossians 1:15, it is important to highlight that when speaking of Jesus as the “image of the invisible God”, in the Greek the word εἰκών [eikon] means that He is the exact projection, the photograph, the very reproduction of the invisible God. Jesus Christ himself said it in John 14:8-10, that he who has seen Him has seen the Father. Therefore, Roberto Miranda affirms that whoever has seen Jesus in his person, in his character, in his perfect power, in his glory, in his perfect Word, in his teachings he has definitely seen the Father. The essence of Jesus is the very essence of the Father.[2]

[1] Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2003), 533-534.

[2] Roberto Miranda, “La imagen del Dios invisible”, leondejuda.org, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_31l_MPYFE

God’s Mark of Excellence – His Image

Articles June 15, 2022 Leave a comment

The soul is precisely the one that was sealed with the mark of excellence of our Triune Creator God, because it was made in His image:

“And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female created He them” (Genesis 1:27).

Wernher von Braun, in fact, recognized the human soul as God’s masterpiece. And it is in the human soul that God has impregnated the image of Him:

“Scientists now believe that in nature, matter is never destroyed. Not even the smallest particle can disappear without a trace. Nature knows no extinction, only transformation. Would God have less respect for His masterpiece of creation, the human soul? Every person receives the gift of life on this earth…The knowledge that man can choose between good, and evil should bring him closer to his Creator…” (Federer 2016)

As true as Von Braun’s analysis is, great theologians and scholars throughout history have seriously and deeply studied what concerns the “image of God.” And the Word itself gives us some portions in both the Old and New Testaments.

We have previously quoted Genesis 1: 26-27, which fundamentally have to do with God’s intention to create the human being and, in fact, with His concrete action.

Also, in Genesis 9 we find another verse where the “image of God” is alluded to, thus:

“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God is man made.” (Genesis 9:6)

Erickson comments that in Genesis 9 murder is prohibited on the grounds that the human being was created in the image of God. Although this passage does not mention that humans still bear the image of God, it is clear that what God has done before is still in effect, even after the fall.[1]

TongueLet us now quote a passage from the New Testament where the subject in question is also referred to; and through which the Scriptures evidence that the human being is created in the image of God, even after the fall.

“[The tongue] with it we bless the God and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the likeness of God.” (James 3:9)

Erickson in his book “Christian Theology” presents some views about the nature of the image of God. However, he concludes by indicating that, since there are various interpretations, this is an indication that there is no direct statement in the Scriptures on the subject. Therefore, reasonable inferences must be drawn from what little the Bible says on this subject. And here we share the most relevant, according to Erickson’s analysis:[2]

  • The image of God is universal within the human race. If the passages Genesis 9:6 and James 3:9-10 are analyzed; we observe bans on killing and cursing, respectively. And these prohibitions apply without limitation to all mankind, on the basis that mankind was created in the image of God.
  • The image of God has not been lost as a result of sin or specifically the fall. Thus, returning to the analysis of the prohibitions on murder and the curse, they apply to both sinners and pious believers. Thus, the presence of the image and likeness in non-believers is assumed. If this is the case, it means that the image of God is something that is inseparably connected with humanity.
  • There are no indications that the image is present in one person to a greater degree than in another. Superior natural endowments such as a high level of intelligence; it is not evidence of the presence or of a certain degree of the image.
  • The image refers to the elements in the human composition that allow the fulfillment of human destiny. It is about the powers of the personality that somehow make humans like God, that is, beings capable of interacting with other people, of thinking, reflecting and having a will. God’s creation had a definite purpose: Humans were destined to know, love, and obey God, and to live in harmony with other human beings. And Erickson emphasizes that humans are most fully human when they are active in these relationships, fulfilling God’s purpose. He mentions here also that the attributes of God which are sometimes referred to as the communicable attributes constitute the image of God. And he points out:

“Humanity as humanity has a nature that encompasses everything that constitutes the personality or the self: intelligence, will, emotions. This is the image in which humans were created, allowing them to have the divinely intended relationship with God and with other humans, and exercise dominion. (Erickson 2003)

  • It is interesting that Erickson also mentions the thought of Karl Barth, who says that the image is present in the human as long as it is human. And he looks at the image of God not only consisting of the vertical relationship between the human and God, but also horizontally between human beings. The image is related to the fact that God created a being who, like Himself, can be a partner.

Mischievous boy covered with paints

As this boy is dirty, covered with paints; so does sin in us, the image of God. 

It is good to highlight here a synthesis of the study by Miguel Núñez, who states that the image of God has not been lost. Yes upset, disfigured, trampled, distorted; but it definitely has not been lost. By definition, he says, the image of God cannot be lost because God exists permanently. What distorted it is sin. As human beings we have a mind with which we think, just like God; emotions we feel; one intelligence, one spirit, existence, all this just like God. And in terms of soul destruction, we are not going to die, just like God. The human being will go to hell or to the presence of God, depending on whether he is a believer or not; but he will continue to exist, just like God. So, what distorts the image of God is the sin that entered man. The sinful nature affected as long as the mind was darkened, it distorts the perception of the reality of what the human being sees. Likewise, the feelings were affected, the human being has become egocentric, tries to satisfy his own needs selfishly. Before the fall, we would have lived in the presence of God, and we would not have had the deviations that we now have.

Dr. Núñez refers to two biblical passages that were also mentioned earlier in this chapter, Genesis 9:6 and James 3:9. Both passages, he says, occur after the fall. And God continues to affirm through them about the existence of the image of God in man. The image of God remains in us, and the seriousness of a crime, domestic violence or abortion basically lies in the fact that human beings are bearers of the image of God; if it were not in us, we could die just like the animals and nothing would have any consequence, he concludes.[3]

[1] Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2003), 519.

[2] Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2003), 519-533.

[3] Miguel Núñez, “¿Es el hombre pecador aun la imagen de Dios?” Edificando,  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaKE_9n-G_M