It's a Faith Thing

It’s a Faith Thing

Genesis 23:1-20

Truly trusting God changes everything.

Abraham mourns the death of Sarah. (1-2)

Abraham buys a burial plot for Sarah. (3-18)

Abraham buries Sarah. (19-20)

Why is this passage included in Genesis?

What does this passage teach us?

For the Next Lesson – Genesis 23:1-20

1. Read verses 1-2. How did Abraham respond to Sarah’s death? How should we as Christians respond to the death of a fellow believer in Jesus Christ? Make sure to take into account 1 Corinthians 15:26, 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 1 Peter 3:13 and any other Scripture that comes to mind. Do our typical funeral and grieving practices represent a Christian and biblical perspective on death? What should a funeral and memorial service look and feel like for a Christian? In contrast, how should we respond to the death of an unbeliever?

2. Read verses 3-9. What did Abraham do next? Why didn’t Abraham use his own field or cave to bury Sarah (see also Hebrews 11:9-10)? Do you think needing to buy a cave was troublesome for Abraham? Why or why not?

3. Read verses 10-20. How would you summarize these verses? Abraham had now lived for 62 years as a foreigner in this land promised by God. How do you think he felt as he negotiated for a burial location and buried his wife?

4. Read Hebrews 11:11 and 1 Peter 3:1-6. What is Sarah’s legacy for us according to these two passages in the New Testament? How can the things we learn about Sarah in these verses encourage or challenge you in your life?

5. So what. What is your attitude toward death? Is there anything you need to do to prepare for your own death or the death of a loved one? What legacy will you leave behind when you die? What can you do to improve your legacy?