TEXT - Genesis 22
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In Genesis 22 God tests Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. Trusting the Lord, Abraham bound his son to the wood of the altar. Everything was at stake—the long-anticipated covenant promise to Abraham of many descendants, finally at long last fulfilled in Isaac, seemed to be slipping away. Yet at the last moment, the Lord himself provides a ram, which is sacrificed as a substitute in Isaac’s place. What does this story teach us about God's promises, the testing of faith, and the ultimate provision of sacrifice on our behalf?
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
HEAD: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR MINDS TO HELP US UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD.
This passage is considered a “tough text” in the Bible. What is so tough about Genesis 22?
How does verse 1 set the tone for what God is doing here in this chapter?
Read verses 1-8. How do you see Abraham taking steps of trusting obedience?
HEART: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR AFFECTIONS TO HELP US LOVE GOD
What does it mean to be tested by God? Do some Bible work and find other passages where God tests his people?
Read verses 11-12. How does God respond to Abraham’s act of obedience?
What does it mean to fear God (v.12)? How is the biblical concept of fearing God different from our understanding of fear?
HANDS: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR HANDS TO HELP US LIVE FOR GOD (PERSONALLY, COMMUNALLY, AND MISSIONALLY)
Consider a time of testing in your life. How did you respond? What did you learn about God and yourself?
Read Romans 8:32. How does this verse relate to Genesis 22? What applications does Romans 8:32 have for you today?
ADDITIONAL RESOURCE - Read the SMR blog post “The Life of Abraham” to learn more about how the book of Genesis uses a literary tool called Chiasm to highlight major events in the Life of Abraham.