In Abraham and Isaac, we have a picture of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. The life of Isaac gives us clear types of what would be fulfilled through Jesus’ life and death.
THE MIRACULOUS BIRTH. Gen 21:1-7
As a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ, the first thing to notice is the miraculous birth by which Isaac came into the world. Abraham was 100 years while Sarah was 91 years. Obviously, this is nothing but the work of God. Like Isaac, Jesus had a miraculous conception that is still a mystery even till today (Matt 1:18)
The Sacrifice of the promised son. Gen 22:1-2
In Genesis chapter 22, there are some obvious pictures of Jesus, Isaac, whom Abraham loved, was to be a sacrifice on Mount Moriah. This was actually a mountain range, upon which Calvary stood. So this is the same place that approximately 4000 years later God would allow His son to be the sacrifice for the sins of the world.
Notice also that God spoke of the love that Abraham had for Isaac. Believe it or not, this is the first mention of love in the Bible and while it speaks of Abraham’s love for Isaac, it is a picture of the love which God the Father had for Jesus. This love existed before the foundation of the world and was expressed several times in Jesus’ earthly ministry when God’s voice was heard from Heaven stating ‘this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased’.
Genesis 22:6 Abraham took the word for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. While Abraham carried the fire and the knife, it was left to Isaac to carry the very wood on which he would be sacrificed. This again pictures the Lord Jesus who, while he was physically able, carried his wood, the cross, to Golgotha where He would die.
Genesis 22:7,8 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”.
Just as Isaac was to take the place of the lamb for this sacrifice, so Jesus became the ‘lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world’
There are other points of comparism as stated below
- Both were “bound” and placed on top of the wood (Genesis 22:9; John 19:18-19;
- Both willingly allow themselves to be offered in sacrifice (Genesis 22:7-8; Colossians 2:6-8).
- Both sons were “resurrected” or “given back” to their fathers on the third day.
Isaac was essential “dead” to his grieving father when God commanded him to sacrifice his son. On the “third day” God provided another sacrifice and his son was restored. God’s son died on the Cross and was resurrected on the third! (Genesis 22:4)
THE SERVANT SENT TO PREPARE THE BRIDE 24:1-4
What we find is that Abraham is concerned that Isaac should have a bride and sends his servant out to find her. This is a clear picture of God the Father’s heart after the sacrifice of His son Jesus. The next major event after Jesus’ death and resurrection was the sending of the Holy Spirit to find and prepare a bride for Him. The servant in this passage is a beautiful picture of the Holy Spirit. The servant was the chief servant in Abraham’s household, yet is unnamed in scripture. This pictures how the Holy Spirit, the third number of the Godhead, doesn’t speak or draw attention to Himself, but gives all glory to Jesus (John 16: 13- 14).
THE MARRIAGE OF THE SON. 24:62 – 66
From the scripture above we see three things that occurred at this time. Firstly, we see that Rebekah prepared herself by covering her face with her veil. Secondly, we see that Isaac took Rebekah back to his home, to his mother’s tent. Finally, we see that Isaac loved her and the two were married. These three events foreshadow the meeting of Jesus and his bride, the church. (Rev. 19:7)
We also know from Jesus’ own words that at His return, He like Isaac, will take us back to His Father’s house. (John 14:2-3)
PERSONAL APPLICATION 2 COR 11:2-3
So where do we as believers fit into this? Well, if Abraham is a picture of God the Father and Isaac is a picture of Jesus Christ, then we are seen in the life of Rebekah, Isaac’s bride. So what was required of Rebekah in becoming Isaac’s wife? According to Gen. 24:54 – 60, Rebekah was willing to leave all that she knew, including her home, family and possessions to become Isaac’s wife. And this is without even seeing him!
The application for us is to also separate ourselves for the Lord, and Him alone. Notice how Rebekah didn’t hesitate to go with Abraham’s servant back to Isaac. She was 100% committed to the man she had never seen! Likewise, we have not seen Jesus with our physical eyes, yet spiritually seeing Him we are called without reservation to be His.
May we be like Rebekah, giving ourselves wholeheartedly to the one who wholeheartedly gave Himself for us.