Genesis 15 depicts a strange ancient ritual between God and Abraham. Dig in a little and you'll see that it foreshadows the work of Christ on the cross.
Talking Points:
- God made a promise to Abraham in Genesis 12 that frames the history of Christianity. He promised a nation (Israel), land (the Promised Land), and a future blessing (the Holy Spirit). Genesis 12:1-3
- After 10 long years, Abraham was frustrated. He was old and childless, and the promise was nowhere in sight. He voiced his frustration to God, and God reaffirmed his promise. Genesis 15:1-2, 5-7
- God made a covenant with Abraham using an ancient blood ritual that would have been familiar to Abraham. Walking through the symbolic pathway enacted both the covenant’s promise and a curse on the one who violates it. Genesis 15:9-17, Jeremiah 34:18-19
- God passed through the carcasses while Abraham slept – foreshadowing that God’s promises would be accomplished by God’s effort and sacrifice alone. This is the gospel message of the Bible: that we are saved by faith through God’s grace. Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:3-5
See Also: The Promise You Might Have Missed
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Read Genesis 12:1-3. Identify the promises God made to Abraham. How does this passage frame the whole Bible?
- Can you relate to Abraham’s frustration with God’s timing or lack of direction in your own life? Explain.
- Read Genesis 15:5,7. How does God approach Abraham’s frustration in these verses?
- Read Genesis 15:9-10 and Jeremiah 34:18-19. What did each part of the ritual signify?
- Read Genesis 15:12,17. What was Abraham doing during the ritual? What was God doing? Why is that significant?
- According to Genesis 15:6, what saved Abraham? How does the ritual found in Genesis 15 point to Jesus?
- Read Romans 4:3-5, 23-25. Put this passage into your own words. What makes us right with God?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
