Christian Religious Studies - Junior Secondary 1 - Call to obedience

TERM: 3^RD TERM

WEEK: 2

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 1

AGE: 12 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: Christian Religious Knowledge

TOPIC: Call to Obedience

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to

1.) Discuss how Abraham demonstrated his obedience in the birth of Isaac as recorded in Gen 21:1-8

2.) Give an account of the story of the sacrifice of Isaac as recorded in Gen 22:1-19

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, story-telling, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Recommended Christian Religious Knowledge textbooks for Junior Secondary School 1

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

NOTE

CALL TO OBEDIENCE

Abraham's Obedience in the Birth of Isaac (Genesis 21:1-8)

In Genesis 21:1-8, Abraham's obedience to God's promise is vividly illustrated through the miraculous birth of his son Isaac. After years of waiting and uncertainty, during which Sarah had doubted and even laughed at the idea of bearing a child in her old age, God's faithfulness became evident.

1. Fulfillment of God's Promise: God had promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, and this promise included the birth of Isaac. Despite their advanced ages—Abraham being 100 and Sarah 90—Abraham believed in God’s word and waited patiently for its fulfillment. His willingness to remain faithful to God's promise, even when circumstances seemed impossible, is a clear demonstration of his obedience.
2. Joyful Acceptance: When Isaac was finally born, Abraham's joy and gratitude were evident. He obeyed God’s directive to name the child Isaac, which means "laughter," signifying the joy that came with this miraculous event. This act also served as a reminder of God’s power and the joy of fulfilling His promises.
3. Celebration of Isaac’s Weaning: Abraham's obedience continued as he celebrated Isaac's weaning with a great feast (Genesis 21:8). This event not only demonstrated his joy in Isaac’s life but also illustrated his commitment to nurturing and raising Isaac according to God's plan, which was part of the covenant God had made with him.

The Sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22:1-19)

The story of the sacrifice of Isaac is one of the most profound examples of obedience found in the Bible, demonstrating Abraham's unwavering faith and trust in God.

1. Divine Command: In Genesis 22:1-2, God tested Abraham by instructing him to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac as a burnt offering on Mount Moriah. This command was shocking, as Isaac represented the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham and the hope for the future of his descendants.
2. Immediate Obedience: Without hesitation, Abraham prepared to obey God's command. He rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took Isaac and two servants to the designated location. His prompt action highlights his deep commitment to God, demonstrating that he valued obedience above even his paternal love for Isaac.
3. Faith in God's Provision: As they traveled, Isaac questioned Abraham about the absence of a lamb for the offering. Abraham responded, "God himself will provide the lamb" (Genesis 22:8), expressing his faith that God would make a way, even in this dire situation. This statement underscores Abraham’s trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty.
4. Willingness to Sacrifice: Upon reaching the site, Abraham built an altar and bound Isaac, preparing to sacrifice him. His willingness to go through with the act, even as he raised the knife, exemplified his absolute obedience to God’s command.
5. Divine Intervention: At the last moment, God intervened, calling out to Abraham and stopping him from sacrificing Isaac (Genesis 22:11-12). Instead, God provided a ram caught in a thicket as a substitute offering. This moment not only spared Isaac but also confirmed Abraham's faithfulness. God then reiterated His promises to Abraham, blessing him for his obedience (Genesis 22:15-18).

EVALUATION:   

1. What role did faith play in Abraham's obedience when he learned he would have a son at such an advanced age, as seen in Genesis 21:1-8?
2. How did Abraham demonstrate his obedience and commitment to God during the weaning of Isaac, and what significance did this celebration hold in their relationship?
3. In the story of the sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22:1-19), what immediate actions did Abraham take in response to God's command, and what do these actions reveal about his character?
4. What does Abraham's statement, "God himself will provide the lamb" (Genesis 22:8), reveal about his understanding of God's nature and his faith in God's provision?.
5. How does the outcome of the sacrifice of Isaac, including God's intervention and the reaffirmation of His promises, illustrate the blessings of obedience in Abraham's life?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively