Week 2 Overview

God Creates Humanity in His Image

Placement in the Series

Week 2 sits within Weeks 1–3: God the Creator & King.

• Week 1: God creates all things by His Word
• Week 2: God creates humanity in His image
• Week 3: God rules over all He made

This week intentionally narrows the focus from creation as a whole to humanity’s unique role within creation. Humanity is not presented as independent or autonomous, but as image-bearers living under God’s rule.

Week Summary

Genesis 1 presents humanity as the climax of God’s creative work. Unlike the rest of creation, humanity is created with deliberation, blessing, and responsibility. God speaks in counsel — “Let Us make man in Our image” — and entrusts humanity with a role that reflects His authority and character.

Psalm 8 reinforces this truth by celebrating humanity’s honored place within creation. Though small in comparison to the vastness of the universe, humanity is crowned with glory and entrusted with responsibility under God’s kingship.

This week establishes:

• Human dignity rooted in God’s design
• Purpose that flows from God’s authority
• Identity defined by creation, not achievement

This foundation is essential before addressing:

• God’s kingship (Week 3)
• God’s holiness (Weeks 4–6)
• Humanity’s fall and need for mercy

Central Big Truth

Because God created humanity in His image, every person has dignity, purpose, and value.

This truth remains consistent across all age groups and learning environments.

Theological Emphasis

This week introduces key biblical theology that will be built upon throughout the curriculum:

• Humanity is uniquely created in the image of God
• Human value is inherent, not earned
• Authority and responsibility are gifts from God
• Humanity’s role is representative, not independent

Importantly, this week:

• Does not address sin or the fall yet
• Does not shift focus away from God to humanity
• Keeps God as Creator and King at the center

Humanity’s dignity is always shown under God’s authority, never apart from it.

Scripture Focus

Primary texts to be read and referenced:

• Genesis 1:26–31 — Genesis 1:26–31

  God’s intentional creation of humanity, blessing, and purpose

• Psalm 8 — Psalm 8

  Humanity’s honored place within God’s ordered creation

Read the passages:

Scripture (BSB): Genesis 1:26-31

26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.”

27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.”

29 Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit contains seed. They will be yours for food.

30 And to every beast of the earth and every bird of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth—everything that has the breath of life in it—I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so.

31 And God looked upon all that He had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

Scripture (BSB): Psalms 8

How Majestic Is Your Name!

For the choirmaster. According to Gittith. A Psalm of David.

1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory above the heavens.

2 From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise on account of Your adversaries, to silence the enemy and avenger.

3 When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place—

4 what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him?

5 You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor.

6 You made him ruler of the works of Your hands; You have placed everything under his feet:

7 all sheep and oxen, and even the beasts of the field,

8 the birds of the air and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.

9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!

Teaching Aim by Audience

Whole Church (Sermon)

• Establish a biblical understanding of human identity
• Emphasize God’s authority in creating and assigning purpose
• Prepare the congregation for God’s kingship in Week 3

Kids

• Help children understand they were made on purpose by God
• Reinforce that every person matters because God made them
• Encourage kindness and respect rooted in God’s design

Youth

• Address identity, worth, and belonging
• Challenge false sources of value (appearance, popularity, success)
• Anchor identity in God as Creator and King

Adults / Groups

• Reflect on dignity, responsibility, and calling
• Consider how being an image-bearer shapes daily life
• Prepare hearts for the themes of authority and holiness ahead

Progression Toward Next Weeks

This week intentionally prepares for:

• Week 3: God’s rightful rule over creation (Psalm 24; Psalm 104)
• Weeks 4–6: The contrast between God’s holiness and human sin

By establishing humanity as created good, valuable, and purposeful, later discussions of sin and redemption carry greater clarity and weight.

Desired Outcome

By the end of Week 2, participants should:

• Understand that being made in God’s image gives real value and purpose
• See themselves and others as God’s intentional creations
• Recognize that human dignity exists under God’s authority as King

Internal Curriculum Notes

• Maintain God-centered language at all times
• Avoid abstract philosophical explanations
• Keep application relational and concrete
• Preserve consistency in Big Truth wording across all materials