Hey everyone! Today, we’re going to dive into an important topic for all of us as teenagers – trusting God through sacrifice. As we grow in our faith, it’s essential to understand that God sometimes asks us to give up things or make difficult choices for His glory and our growth. Our lesson today is centered around the story of Abraham and Isaac, found in Genesis 22:1-14. This story teaches us about obedience, trust, and the importance of putting God first in our lives.
Youth Group Game: Trust Walk
Before we dive into the Scripture, let’s play a game to get us thinking about trust. Pair up with a partner, and have one person wear a blindfold. The other person will guide their blindfolded partner around the room using only their voice. Once everyone has had a turn, gather back together and discuss:
- How did it feel to be the blindfolded person?
- How did it feel to be the guide?
- What does this activity teach us about trust?
Bible Reading: Genesis 22:1-2
“Some time later, God tested Abraham. He said to him, ‘Abraham!’ ‘Here I am,’ he replied. Then God said, ‘Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.'”
Explanation:
- God tests Abraham’s faith by asking him to sacrifice his only son, Isaac.
- This request seems impossible to understand, but Abraham still obeys.
Discussion Questions:
- Can you imagine how Abraham must have felt when God asked him to sacrifice his son? How would you feel in his shoes?
- Why do you think God would ask Abraham to do such a difficult thing?
Bible Reading: Genesis 22:3-6
“Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. On the third day, Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He said to his servants, ‘Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.’ Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together.”
Explanation:
- Despite the difficulty of God’s request, Abraham shows his obedience by immediately preparing for the journey.
- Abraham shows faith in God’s promise by telling his servants that they will both return after worshiping.
Discussion Questions:
- How does Abraham’s immediate obedience show his trust in God?
- What can we learn from Abraham’s response to God’s request?
Bible Reading: Genesis 22:7-14
“Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, ‘Father?’ ‘Yes, my son?’ Abraham replied. ‘The fire and wood are here,’ Isaac said, ‘but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?’ Abraham answered, ‘God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.’ And the two of them went on together. When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, ‘Abraham! Abraham!’ ‘Here I am,’ he replied. ‘Do not lay a hand on the boy,’ he said. ‘Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.’ Abraham looked up, and there in a thicket, he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide.”
Explanation:
- Isaac questions where the lamb for the sacrifice is, and Abraham expresses his trust in God’s provision.
- At the last moment, God stops Abraham and provides a ram for the sacrifice, showing His faithfulness.
Discussion Questions:
- How does this story show that God is faithful to provide for us when we trust and obey Him?
- What are some practical ways we can put our trust in God in our daily lives?
Closing Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching us about trust and obedience through the story of Abraham and Isaac. Help us to have the faith to follow Your will, even when it seems difficult or impossible. As we grow in our relationship with You, teach us to trust in Your perfect plans for our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.