TLDR: A guide for having a family discipleship time on Genesis 14 based on the ACT Bible Study Method.
Act 3: God Promises Jesus
Scene 3: Abraham and Melchizedek
Genesis 14:1–24
Analyze the Passage
Step 1: Introduce the Passage
Genesis was written by Moses sometime between 1445–1405 BC to help the Israelites leaving Egypt understand their history with God. It’s one of the five books of the Law that Moses wrote, which we also call the Torah, or the Pentateuch, which means “five books.”
Today’s true story begins to show how Lot’s choice to live among the cities wasn’t wise and what Abram did for his nephew. It also introduced a mysterious but important person into the Bible’s big story. This story is in Acts 3: God Promises Jesus.
Step 2: Read the Passage
Step 3: Summarize the Passage
Four kings were at war with five kings. One of those kings was the king of Sodom, which is nearby where Lot had chosen to live. The kings that included the one of Sodom lost and the winning four kings too Lot and his possessions along with many other things as loot.
When Abram heard what happened, he took 318 men with him and they defeated the victorious kings who had taken Lot. Abram retrieved Lot, all Lot’s property, the other stolen property, and the other people who had been taken.
When Abram returned, the king of Sodom and Melchizedek, king of Salam and the priest of God, came out to meet Abram. Melchizedek blessed Abram. Abram gave him a tenth of his possessions.
The king of Sodom offered to let Abram keep the possessions he had returned with, but Abram refused. He did not want anyone to think the king of Sodom had made him rich. All he took was compensation for food that had been eaten and wanted those who had gone with him to be rewarded.
Step 4: Interrogate the Passage
Questions you and your family ask might include:
- Why were all these kings fighting?
- What happened when the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fell into the tar pits?
- How large was the army that the 318 trained men defeated?
- Why did Abram give Melchizedek a tenth of his possessions?
- Why did Abram not want people to think the king of Sodom had made him wealthy?
Step 5: Wonder about the Passage
Wonder statements you and your family make might include:
- I wonder what the kings were going to do with Lot and the other people they took.
- I wonder how many people and how much property had been stolen.
- I wonder how much a tenth of Abram’s possessions was.
- I wonder if the king of Sodom was offended by Abram’s refusal to take a reward.
Connect the Passage to Christ
Step 6: Find the World in Front of Text
This story shows us how broken this world is. It features a major war, stealing, and kidnapping. These actions were driven by greed, selfishness, and heartlessness. Sin has broken the world that much and more.
But this story also shows us of what the world was supposed to be, can be in part, and will be in full in the future. In this account, we also see the courageous compassion of Abram. He risks his life and well-being to rescue Lot and the others. We see loyalty—his for Lot and his allies for him. We see hospitality. Melchizedek brought bread and wine for Abram, Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of his possessions, the king of Sodom offered Abram a reward, and Abram ensured his allies were taken care of. These acts of generosity and kindness were driven by hospitality—the desire to form and preserve friendships.
Step 7: Find the World of Jesus of the Text
When it comes to compassion and hospitality, no one shows us a better example than Jesus. His earthly ministry was filled with actions of both. He truly cared for people and did all he could for them. He also valued friendships and made them a priority. More than that, his coming to earth and dying on the cross were driven by his compassion for our lost condition and because of what he has done, when we trust in him, we become part of God’s family. We are more than friends; we are siblings of Christ and children of God.
We can see a picture of Jesus’ work of bringing salvation in what Abram did in this story. Abram heard his nephew was in distress, so he chased after him, rescued him from slavery and possibly death, and then returned him and others. In a greater way, Jesus came to earth, rescued us from slavery of sin and spiritual death, and returned us into relationship with God.
We also see Jesus in the mysterious person Melchizedek. He seems to be quite important, but we don’t really hear from him again until the New Testament book of Hebrews. “King of Salem” could also be understood as “King of Peace.” Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He wasn’t only a king, but a priest too. Jesus is the prophet, priest, and king. And then Abram gave him a tenth—a tithe—showing that Melchizedek was in a position of spiritual authority. Like Jesus.
Some people believe that Melchizedek is a theophany or christophany—an appearance of the Son of God on earth before the advent. There are a few places where the Bible speaks of “the angel of the Lord” and this specific angel at times acts and speaks like God. Those are often understood in the same way. But even if Melchizedek was a normal person, he was as least chosen by God as a special priest—which is what the writer of Hebrews talks about.
Translate It to Your Context
Step 8: Connect the World of Jesus of the Text to Your World
How can you show others compassion this week? How can not only care about others, but act on that care by doing whatever you can for them, especially if they are in need. What can you do with your time, money, and possessions to help others in need?
How can you show someone hospitality this week? How can you treat someone with friendship, love, and kindness? Think about people who you know of or barely know, especially anyone who seems like he or she might need a friend. What will you do to be a friend to them?
NEXT: Act 3: God Promises Jesus; Scene 4: Abraham Is Given a Covenant from God (Genesis 15:1–21)
Learn more about this family discipleship method here.
brian dembowczyk 