Introduction:

I. The type recorded here foreshadows the single most important event in history, i.e., the sacrifice of God’s only begotten son.

A. The Bible does not say that Isaac is a type of Christ but it is obvious that he is.

II. God requiring Abraham to sacrifice Isaac has been looked upon as a very troubling story in the Bible.

A. Atheists have asked, “How could a loving God ask a father to do such a horrible thing?”

B. Christians ask. “Why would God test someone’s faith like this?”

C. Why would Abraham even agree to do this?

D. Doesn’t the Bible teach that God opposed human sacrifice? (Deuteronomy 12:31; Leviticus 20:2)

III. We can learn much about what is going on here just from the story, but we need other information to fully understand and appreciate what God is doing.

Discussion:

I. Abraham’s Identity (Who is he?)

A. “After these things.” (22:1)

1. God called Abraham to leave his country and that He would make of him a great nation. (12:1-2)

2. Abraham’s faith is counted for righteousness. (15:6)

3. Hagar gives birth to Ishmael when Abraham is 86 years old.

4. Sarah give birth to Isaac when Abraham is 100 years old.

B. Abraham’s faithfulness often mentioned in the Bible. Galatians 3:8; James 2:22; Romans 4:13; John 8:39; Genesis 26:5; Hebrews 11.

II. The Story. (22:1-14) Keep in mind a much greater sacrifice is being foreshadowed.

A. This a test of Abraham’s faith. (22:1) (James 1:13; James 1:2-3; 1 Corinthians 10:13)

B. Offer your only son as a burnt offering. (vs. 2)

C. Abraham’s response is go early in the morning. (vs 3)

D. God will provide. (vs. 6-8)

E. The scene at the altar. (vs. 9-14)

III. The actual sacrifice. (Matthew 27)

A. Fast forward 1900 years to another miraculous birth. (Luke 2:1-7)

B. You find a sinless young man who grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. (Luke 2:52)

C. He will carry the wood for His own cross to the same mountain.

D. This time the knife will not be stopped.

Conclusion:

Now I know that you fear God, seeing that you have not withheld your son, your only son from me. (vs12) God expects to see evidence for our faith.