A133 – Pentecost 4: The Binding of Isaac and True Hospitality (Gen 22 & Matt 10)

This week Robyn and Fran focus on Genesis 22:1-14 – the sacrifice or binding of Isaac. Is this an appalling story of an appalling God? Or a call to obedience in God at all costs? Or a rejection of child sacrifice? We talk about the text being silent on the characters’ psychological dynamics, because of its theological focus. We also discuss Matthew 10:40-42 and note the costly requirement of following Jesus being not simply to offer hospitality, but be willing to be guest – to give up power and control in a genuine posture of missional engagement. We note the nuances in the meaning of ‘welcome’ as it appears in Matthew 10.40. We refer to Mark Brett’s Genesis and Ellen Davis’ Getting Involved With God.