Abraham Prepares to Sacrifice Isaac

Abraham’s faith was tested when the Lord asked him to sacrifice Isaac on an altar. Abraham had a strong faith in God’s earlier promise that he would have many descendants, so he set out to prepare an altar and kill his only son. Abraham displayed this willingness to obey God unconditionally. At the last moment, an angel stopped Abraham from sacrificing his son.

Are we willing to give up (sacrifice) anything if it will help us to serve God better?

Bible verses used in this episode:

• Genesis 22:1-19
• 2 Chronicles 3:1
• Hebrews 11:17-19
• James 2:20-24

Outline:

1. Abraham prepares to sacrifice his son, Isaac (Genesis 22:1-10)
2. Abraham passes the test (Genesis 22:11-14)
3. The angel restates God’s promise (Genesis 22:15-19)

Tips for teaching children:

• Ask children to draw four squares on a piece of paper (or fold the paper into squares). In one square, they should write the word “GOD.” In each of the other four squares, they can draw pictures of people or things that are very important to them. Create “1st Place” ribbons from paper or actual ribbon. Children then talk about the people and things that are important to them and then glue the first-place ribbon on the square containing the word “God.”
• Zentangle the word “FAITH”. Instructions here.

Tips for teaching adults:

• Encourage your group to consider various aspects of the Scripture by presenting the following questions:
  • Why does God test Abraham in this way? 
  • What does Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac reveal about his faith and trust in God?
  • How does God's intervention at the last moment change the narrative?
  • What are two big takeaways from this story for you? 
• Help the group contemplate sacrifice by asking them to:
  • Use a piece of paper to write down a significant sacrifice they have made because of their faith and trust in God.  
  • Read these out to the class if they are comfortable to do so.  
  • Pray that each of us can grow into the faith of Abraham.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Abraham Prepares to Sacrifice Isaac

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org