(Volunteer copy)
Abraham and Isaac
The story of Abraham and Isaac is also found in the Bible. When Abraham was 99 years old, God promised him and his wife Sarah, who was 89, that they would have a son. Even though they were very old, God kept His promise, and Sarah gave birth to Isaac a year later.
As Isaac grew into a young boy, God tested Abraham’s faith. He told Abraham to take Isaac to a mountain and offer him as a burnt sacrifice. Although this made Abraham very sad, he obeyed God because he believed that God would find a way to help. Abraham even believed that God could bring Isaac back to life if needed.
With a heavy heart, Abraham took Isaac to the mountain. Isaac carried the wood for the sacrifice, not knowing he was meant to be the one sacrificed. When they arrived, Abraham built an altar, tied up Isaac, and got ready to sacrifice him. At the last moment, an angel of the Lord appeared and said, “Do not hurt the boy. Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you respect God, because you did not keep your only son from me.”
Then, God provided a ram caught in a bush to be sacrificed instead of Isaac. Abraham named the place Jehovah-Jireh, which means “The Lord Will Provide.” This shows that God helps us in our time of need.
This story is more than just a test of Abraham’s faith. It also teaches us that just as Abraham was willing to give up his only son, God also gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, so that we can be saved and have eternal life.
https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-stories/abraham-and-isaac-bible-
story.html
If there’s time:
Volunteer may also choose to view the youtube video together with the
student.
Additional Notes for Volunteers Who May Want to Discuss the Story in
Greater Depth
Why Did God Ask Abraham to Sacrifice Isaac?
The story of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac is a profound
demonstration of faith and trust in God. Why would God ask for such a
sacrifice? This test was meant to illustrate the depth of faith required to follow
God fully. Abraham’s readiness to obey, even when asked to sacrifice his
beloved son, highlights his absolute trust in God’s promises, despite how
contradictory they might appear.
Hebrews 11:17-19 reflects on this profound faith, explaining that Abraham
believed God could raise Isaac from the dead if necessary. This belief
in resurrection shows Abraham’s unwavering confidence in God’s ultimate
goodness and power. Abraham had already experienced God’s faithfulness; he
and Sarah had miraculously received Isaac in their old age, fulfilling God’s
promise. This history of faithfulness fortified Abraham’s trust, allowing him to believe that even in the darkest moments, God would provide a way out.
The story of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac is a foreshadowing of
God’s ultimate sacrifice—offering His own Son, Jesus Christ, for the
redemption of humanity. Just as Abraham was willing to give his beloved son,
God provided His only Son as the Lamb to take away the sins of the world
(John 1:29). The ram caught in the thicket that Abraham sacrificed instead of
Isaac symbolizes Jesus, who takes our place.
Through this story, we learn about radical faith and the cost of discipleship. It
challenges us to consider our own willingness to trust God fully and surrender
our dearest possessions or dreams to Him. It reminds us that true faith often
requires profound obedience and trust in God’s character and promises, even
when we do not understand His ways.