The child will be able to explain how hard it was for Abraham to obey God even though it was the right thing to do.
Bible Story Reference: Genesis 22:1-18
Memory Verse:
1 Samuel 15:22 (NIV)
But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
Introduction
Bible Story
Many years passed. Then, God decided to test Abraham.
“Go get Isaac,” God said. “Take him to the mountain that I show you. There, build an altar, start a fire, and kill Isaac as a sacrifice to me.”
So, Abraham got up early the next morning, chopped wood for a fire, and saddled up his donkey.
He headed to the mountain where God told him to go, taking Isaac and two servants with him.
After three days, they arrived. Abraham told his servants to stay while Isaac and he went a little further to worship God. Abraham put the wood on Isaac’s shoulder, but he carried the hot coals and the knife himself.
“Father,” Isaac said. “We have coals and wood, but where is the lamb to sacrifice?”
“God will provide the lamb,” Abraham replied.
When they reached the place God had told Abraham about, he built an altar and placed the wood on it. Next, Abraham tied up Isaac and put him on the wood. Then, Abraham took the knife and prepared to kill the son he dearly loved.
“Abraham!” an angel shouted from heaven.
“Yes,” Abraham replied.
“Do not hurt Isaac!” the angel said. “Now I know that you truly obey God. You were willing to offer your son to him!”
Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horn in the bushes nearby. So, Abraham took the ram and sacrificed it instead.
Review
Even when it was difficult to do the right thing, Abraham chose to obey God. In the same way that Abraham was willing to offer his son, God was also willing to sacrifice his Son, Jesus. In fact, Jesus did die. Jesus died for all of the bad things that we have done. He did this because he loves us so much.
God no longer needs or wants blood sacrifices. Sacrifices in the Old Testament point to the greatest sacrifice that was still to come. Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice. He died on the cross to pay the debt caused by our sins. Jesus is the only sacrifice needed for our sins.
Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for being a faithful God! Help me to be aware of all the blessings you give each day. Amen.
Crafts
Abraham Offers Isaac
What You Need
Steps