Scripture: Genesis 21-23
Learning Objectives:
- Students will review the story of Abraham, God’s Promises and Isaac.
- Students will learn God asked Abraham to sacrifice his precious son Isaac.
- Students will learn God may ask us to sacrifice things for Him.
- Students will participate in an activity to begin thinking about some things they should think about sacrificing to God.
Guiding Question: What might God ask you to sacrifice that would be difficult for you to do?
Materials: clay, stones, found objects
Procedure: Review the story of Abraham and Isaac, paying special attention to the time God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. Discuss with the students what made God’s request so difficult for Abraham. Ask students to name some things God might ask them to sacrifice for Him. Which ones would be particularly difficult to sacrifice? Have the students use the clay or stones to sculpt an altar. Using found objects they should complete their sculpture with items God may ask them to sacrifice, but would cause them to perhaps struggle with obedience. Have the students share their completed sculptures. Have the students discuss ways they can be ready like Abraham should God ask them to sacrifice something important to them.
Additional Questions:
- What other sacrifices were commanded under the Law given to Moses? What happened if the requirement caused hardship to poor people?
Supplemental Activity: Have more advanced students research some of the sacrifices required under the Law of Moses. Have them focus on sacrifices which included substitutions under certain circumstances. Have them present their findings and lead a discussion including student thoughts on why God allowed substitutions under certain circumstances.