A PICTURE OF JESUS
Gen. 22:1-8
Text: Genesis 22:8
I believe that Isaac is one of the best pictures of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Old Testament. In Isaac we see pictures of the (1) Supernatural Birth of Christ (2) Submissive Spirit of Christ (3) Sacrificial Offering of Christ (4)Successful Resurrection of Christ (5)Sending for a Bride for Christ
In our scripture reading today we see three of those pictures described in one of the most moving stories of the Bible. No parent can read Gen. 22 without being touched by the emotional trial of Abraham and Isaac. However, there is something more important than that. This chapter is a prophecy in "type" of JESUS, particularly of His death, burial, and resurrection.
The clearest description of the crucifixion in the Old Testament is Ps. 22. The clearest explanation of the crucifixion in the Old Testament is Isa. 53. The clearest TYPE or FIGURE of the crucifixion in the Old Testament is here in Gen. 22.
I. THERE IS A DEMAND FOR A SACRIFICE (Gen.22:1-2)
1. The demand for the sacrifice was the will of God
A. Jesus did the will of the Father
2. The demand for the sacrifice was the way of God
A. The way of God then
B. The way of God now (Rom. 12:1-2)
II. THERE IS A DISTINCTION OF SACRIFICE (Gen.22:2) (Heb.11:17-18)
Abraham already had a son before Isaac: Ishmael, but in Heb. 11:17 God calls Isaac Abraham's "only begotten" son! Compare with John 3:16 to see the importance of this.
1. Isaac was the son
A. Of PROMISE (Heb.11:17-19)
B. Of Power
2. Isaac was the son (Gal. 4:22-23)
A. Of the flesh
B. Of sin
3. The other son Ishmael was the son of sin
III. THERE A DEVOTION IN THIS SACRIFICE (Gen.22:2) (Luke 3:22)
This reminds us of God's love:
1. For His Son
2. For sinners (Rom. 5:8)
IV. THERE IS A DEVICE USED IN THIS SACRIFICE (Gen.22:6)
1. The placing of the wood
A. First on the back of the son
B. Then the son on the wood
C. Remember Calvary and the cross!
2. The piercing of the sacrifice
A. The knife - remember the soldier's spear
3. The passing of the sacrifice
A. The fire finished the sacrifice.
B. Jesus said, "It is finished!" (John 19:30)
V. THERE IS A DILEMMA IN THIS SACFIFICE (Gen.22:7)
Isaac knew what some lost religionists don't:
1. A sacrifice was needed
2. Shedding of blood was needed (Heb. 9:22)
VI. THERE IS A DEITY IN THIS SACRIFICE (Gen.22:8)
1. Notice the phraseology - "himself"
2. Notice the partnership - "together"
VII. THERE IS A DELIVERANCE PICTURED IN THIS SACRIFICE (Gen.22:5)
1. A reliance
2. A replacement
3. A resurrection (Heb.11:17-19)
4. A return (Gen.22:19)
A. Abraham had told the young men that he and his son would "come again to you."
B. This reminds us of both the post- resurrection appearances AND the return of
Christ to this earth in the future!
CONCLUSION
Fearful scenes are flung our way;
Masses jostle to a judgement day,
led by liars headed for fire;
death they ignore and demons admire;
helpless, hopeless, tricked, but proud --
who will go and love this crowd?
He who bravely met the test leaves for us the scene impressed:
Who will die as Jesus died, calmly setting self aside?
-- Byron Harting
