Jesse Tree: 1st Friday- Isaac and the Offering

1st Friday of Advent
Isaac and the Offering

Image credit: Carolyn Pikoulas and the Diocese of Erie

The image of the ram is placed on the Jesse Tree today. The ram is symbolic of the story of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac. We see on this branch of the family tree a foreshadowing of the sacrifice of Jesus. Genesis 22:12 the messenger of God relates,  "...I know now how devoted you are to God, since you did not withhold from me your own beloved son."

God tests Abraham's faith one last time in asking him to sacrifice his son, the child he waited so long to have. Abraham is willing to make this sacrifice in pure trust and loving obedience to God. However, God stops Abraham at the crucial moment and provides a ram to be sacrificed instead.

God sent his own beloved son as a sacrifice for our sins. We see in Abraham a human reflection of a father's willingness to give up what he loves for the good of all. The pain and grief this must have caused Abraham is unknowable. Isaac too trusted his father implicitly. While he questioned what his father wanted, he did not refuse. This too foreshadows Jesus' willingness to die for us as his Father requested.

Today, make a small sacrifice of love for someone else. Perhaps you can skip a purchase for yourself and give the money to someone who needs it. Maybe you can do a task lovingly and openly around the house for someone else. Consider letting go of a grudge or hurt on your heart.

Today's Focus: Isaac and the Offering
Symbol: The ram
Scripture: Genesis 22:1-19

Yesterday's Focus: Abraham and the Promise
Tomorrow's Focus: Jacob