Unit 3 Session 3
God Provided Isaac
Family Bible Time Connection
Read all or parts of Genesis 21 - 22 from your Bible
Talk About Scripture
Do you have a favorite toy or stuffed animal that you would never want to give away? Parents, do you have a favorite item—cellphone, TV, a car—that you would never want to lose or be without?
What if God asked you to give up that special item and never use it again? We can all thank God for giving us the things that we love, but we would likely be pretty upset if He asked us to give up something so valuable or special.
That’s why Abraham’s trust and obedience are even more remarkable. When God tested Abraham’s love, Abraham was faithful to do what God said—even the unthinkable assignment of sacrificing his son. Even in such a hard moment, Abraham trusted and obeyed God.
Abraham led Isaac up the mountain toward the place where the sacrifice would be made. As Abraham prepared to do what God had told Him to do, he was suddenly stopped by the angel of the Lord and he saw that God had provided a ram to sacrifice instead of his son, Isaac.
Abraham’s obedience showed how much he loved God, but God showed us an even greater love by sending His Son to die for us. Like the ram that God provided to save Isaac’s life and die in his place, God provided Jesus to save sinners like us. God sent His only Son to be our substitute and die for us. When we trust in Jesus and what He has done for us, we receive forgiveness and eternal life through Him.
Abraham showed his love for God by being willing to sacrifice his son Isaac. God provided a ram instead. This is how God showed His love for us: He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross so that we could have eternal life through Him.
Prayer Time
Ask God to help you obey Him and those He has put in charge over you. How should God’s love motivate you to obey? How does obedience show your love for God and others?
Pray for help and wisdom to know how God is calling you to share Jesus with others. Who is God leading you to share Jesus with this week? Are you willing to say “yes” when God calls?
Actively Apply the Scripture
For Fun
Take your family on a hike. As you hike, take the time to talk about the story of Abraham and Isaac. Ask your kids to describe what they might have felt if they were Abraham or Isaac. How did Abraham trust God in such a difficult situation? Take a moment to thank Jesus for His sacrifice and His willingness to die in your place.
To Serve
Make a list of people who need to hear about Jesus. Talk about when and how you can share the message of Jesus with those individuals. Even though it may be awkward or scary, plan at least one way you can share the gospel this week with a person on the list. The Gospel: God’s Plan for Me is a great tool to help you talk through the gospel in those conversations.