Pumpkins & Halloween Day 1

Genesis 22

When Isaac was older, God decided to test Abraham’s faith. So He asked Abraham for a sacrifice, a big one. “Give Isaac back to Me, to live with Me in heaven.”

Abraham had waited so long for a son. He loved Isaac, but he loved God more. So with a sad heart, Abraham agreed to what God asked him to do.

Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took two servants with him and his son Isaac. Abraham and Isaac climbed a mountain carrying sticks to put on the altar and met God there. “God,” Abraham said with tears in his eyes, “if You want my only son, here he is.”

God was pleased that Abraham loved and trusted Him enough to give Isaac back. He was so pleased with Isaac that He sent an angel to say, “Abraham, Abraham, you do not have to give Isaac back after all.” Abraham looked up, and there was a ram (a boy sheep) caught in a bush by his horns that God provided to use as a sacrifice. God gave Abraham that ram, and Abraham and Isaac were very happy about it!

God said, “Since you obeyed me I will surely bless you and all the people in your family now and to come. You will have as many people in your family as all the stars in the sky.” So God blessed Abraham for trusting and obeying Him.

One day, God would sacrifice His own Son, Jesus, as a special gift to the world.

God wants us to trust Him and obey Him. Always and with all things. Trusting Him shows that you are His friend. He will take care of you, and he will be the best friend you could ever have. Believe that He loves you, because He does!

Talk about what the Bible story was about by asking the children questions. You can decide ahead of time how you want them to answer the questions. I like to have the children raise their hand to answer the question. If they are incorrect that is fine. You can say what the answer is or ask: “Does anyone else have a thought or answer to the question?”

Questions to ask if you like:

• What did God ask Abraham for? (A sacrifice)
• Do you know what a sacrifice is? (Something we give to God that we like a lot)
• What was the sacrifice that God wanted Abraham to give to God? (His son Isaac)
• Was Abraham happy or sad about giving his son as a sacrifice to God? (Sad)
• What were Abraham and Isaac carrying in their hands to put on the altar? (Sticks)
• Did Abraham trust God, love God and obey God? (Yes)
• Who did God send to tell Abraham he didn’t have to sacrifice his son? (An angel)
• What kind of animal was caught in a bush to use as the sacrifice? (A ram)
• Do you remember how Abraham and Isaac felt after the angel told Abraham he didn’t have to sacrifice Isaac? (Happy)
• Did God bless Abraham for trusting and obeying Him? (Yes)
• Does God want us to trust Him? (Yes)
• Does God love you? (Yes)

While sitting on the floor with criss cross legs, have the children repeat after you. You can have them fold their hands and close their eyes or just sit quietly and say after you. Following is a prayer written out that you can use, or you can make up your own.

Dear God (children repeat)

Thank you for this day (children repeat)

Please help me to trust you (children repeat)

and obey you (children repeat)

Please be my friend (children repeat)

and please take care of me (children repeat)

I love You (children repeat)

Amen (children repeat)