A TALE OF TWO SONS
- Key Verse
- "Abraham said, 'God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.' So they went both of them together." (Genesis 22:8) (ESV)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
God, the perfect Father, graciously spared Abraham's only son--and graciously gave up His own.
Reflections
I heard this story countless times in church growing up, and many of you also know the story backwards and forwards. I would like to look at the story in a fresh way today, so if you were tempted to skim over it, please go back and read it carefully. Then, answer this question:Who is the main character of Genesis 22?
It's not Abraham. It's not Isaac It's Jesus.
"How is that possible? Jesus isn't even mentioned in the story!"
But He is, and His presence in the story brings me joy.
As Isaac starts to put two and two together, realizing that there is no lamb for the offering, he questions his father. Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the Lamb for the burnt offering? Abraham's response is prophetic. God will provide for Himself the lamb. He may not have even comprehended it at the time, but he was foretelling the coming of the Messiah. Abraham was preaching the gospel to Isaac, for just as his son, Isaac, was carrying the wood for the offering on his back (v. 6) so another Son would later carry the wood for another offering on His back (John 19:16-18).
The reality is this: the most shocking, most scandalous part of this story isn't that The LORD would command Abraham to offer his son as a sacrifice. The most shocking, most scandalous part of this story is that The LORD gave his own Son as a sacrifice for my sin. Every wicked, damnable thing I've done or ever will do was nailed to the cross in Christ, and exchanged for righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).
As believers in Christ, let us admire Abraham's great faith, but much more, let us rejoice that God kept His promise to Abraham. Let us admire Isaac's submission to his father, but much more, let us rejoice in Jesus' submission to the will of His Father. Let us praise God for providing a ram as a substitute for Isaac, but much more, let us rejoice that He has provided Jesus as a substitute for us.
Discussion Questions
1. Has God ever asked you to put something precious to you on the altar, that you might trust Him with it? (Examples: your money/possessions, your job, your future plans) Were you obedient, or did you defy Him? What was the result?2. One of the themes of this passage, and the whole Bible, is sacrifice--especially with regard to worship. (See v. 5) Is your worship of God sacrificial? What does following Jesus cost you? (See 2 Samuel 24:24)
3. Maybe God tested Abraham because He wanted Isaac to know his father honored and trusted The LORD. Parents: How are you modeling (or failing to model) trusting in The LORD for your children? Be specific.
4. Reflect on the sins in your life. See them for what they are. Then read Isaiah 53 out loud (individually or with your small group) and rejoice that God provided for Himself a Lamb: His Son, Jesus Christ.
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Hill Country Bible Church NW.
Phil Powellq
January 26, 2012 06:00 AM
Spot on, Brother Praise God for His faithfulness!
John Hall
January 26, 2012 06:16 AM
Best JTJ I've ever read! Great job!
Darryl Worsham
January 26, 2012 06:27 AM
Matt, thanks for unpacking this chapter in such a way as to remind me of the unbelievable sacrifice God made for me through Christ.
Rob Parkhurst
January 26, 2012 06:40 AM
Excellent Matt! You nailed this and really brought home the meat of the passage. Well done.
Chip Smith
January 26, 2012 08:04 AM
Good morning Matt. Yes, I agree with you that this story cries out, "Jesus, the Lamb of God." I wonder if Abraham understood any of this as he was living out this story? In fact, there are many stories in the Bible that just don't make sense unless you see them as they relate to God's plan of redemption. Like Joseph being sold into slavery or Mary traveling to Bethlehem. In hindsight, I see many crazy in the moment, wonderful events which led me to my own personal redemption.
Linda Dickey
January 26, 2012 08:04 AM
I never thought about the parallel between the two events....Isaac, was carrying the wood for the offering on his back (v. 6) so another Son would later carry the wood for another offering on His back (John 19:16-18). I appreciate how the Lord directed your insight. Thanks.
Jaime Matute
January 26, 2012 08:56 AM
Matt, what a wonderful testimony. Thanks for sharing and serving God. And thanks for challenging us who know this story to look at it with fresh eyes.
Brenda Watson
January 26, 2012 10:43 AM
totally awesome job Matt! thanks so much for your words today--what an incredible Savior we serve!!
myra
January 26, 2012 10:47 AM
wow.
Harriet Smith
January 26, 2012 11:48 AM
Matt - I am in awe at the depth of insight of this devotional from someone so young in the faith. I'm passing it on to a new believer from China. Thanks for helping us see new dimensions from this passage.
Beckye Estill
January 26, 2012 01:43 PM
Excellent, Matt! Thanks for sharing this in such a fresh and relevant way!
Jason Jordan
January 26, 2012 08:08 PM
Thanks for your thoughts Matt.
Linda Butler
January 27, 2012 12:02 AM
What a great testimony. What a great devo. It's so fun to see what a great young man you have turned into. As a former youth leader, it's so heartwarming to see students mature in their relationship with God. Thanks for sharing your insights into this passage.