Genesis 21:22-22:24
Dear RTB’ers,
Today, in my mind, the most powerful story in the Old Testament, Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac. As we read through the Old Testament, we will see how Joseph and Moses prefigured Jesus by delivering their people – Joseph bringing his brothers and their families to Egypt to escape the famine in Canaan and Moses bring the Israelites out of Egypt. Today we see the most prominent picture of Jesus in the Old Testament. Consider:
- Abraham, Isaac, and the two servants went a three-day journey from Beersheba to Mount Moriah (Jerusalem). Jesus was three days in the tomb between His cross and resurrection.
- Abraham told the servants, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will … come again to you.” (v. 22:5) Abraham knew that he and Isaac would return. Jesus predicted His resurrection: The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. And when He is killed, after three days He will rise.” (Mark 9:31, Matthew 17:21, Luke 9:22)
- Isaac carried the wood on his shoulder up the mountain. (v. 22:6a) Jesus carried His cross to Golgotha.
- God provided a lamb instead of Isaac. Jesus is the Lamb of God; He died in our place.
- Abraham perfectly obeyed God. Jesus prayed at Gethsemane, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me. Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42, Matthew 26:39, Mark 14:36)
It’s a powerful story. If you want to see Jesus in the Old Testament, remember “chapter 22”: Genesis 22 and Psalm 22.
Blessings!