Origin Stories: The “Proving” of Isaac
This series will explore familiar stories and people in the opening books of the Bible, asking these primary questions: What do these stories tell us about God? What do they tell us about humanity? What can we learn about our relationship with God?
Genesis 22 contains one of the most challenging stories in the Bible. It’s ok to wonder: Is God really demanding a father to sacrifice his son? Was Abraham really going to do it? What is really going on here? These questions have been discussed and debated for centuries.
This passage gives us an opportunity to ponder, pray, and lean into the mysteries of God—but also to see firsthand the faith of not only Abraham and Isaac, but God as well.
Read Gen. 22:1-19 slowly. Try to place yourself in this story as you read.
1. Take a close look at verses 1-3. How would you have felt if you were placed in Abraham’s position? What do you think you would have done?
2. Read verses 6-8 again. What do you think is going through Isaac’s head here? How about Abraham? Discuss what you would be thinking and feeling after Isaac’s question in verse 7.
3. If Isaac was a teenager or a young adult as many scholars believe (making Abraham well over 100), how does this change our view of Isaac’s role in this story? Was it an active or a passive role? (verses 8-9)
4. How does God demonstrate His faith in Abraham? What all does God put on the line here in this passage? Why do you think God takes on this risk?
5. These passages in Genesis 22 are sometimes read on Good Friday. Why do you think this is the case? What are some possible connections to the faithfulness of Abraham and Isaac in this story with the crucifixion and death of Jesus?
