Genesis 24:1-28 God sends us on mission—and forms Christlike character in those who respond to Him.

Outline with Discussion Prompts:

Can you recall a time when you clearly sensed God’s guidance in a decision, big or small?

Section 1: Sent with a Purpose

Genesis 24:1–9 Now Abraham was old, well advanced in years. And the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things. And Abraham said to his servant, the oldest of his household, who had charge of all that he had, “Put your hand under my thigh, that I may make you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and God of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell, but will go to my country and to my kindred, and take a wife for my son Isaac.” The servant said to him, “Perhaps the woman may not be willing to follow me to this land. Must I then take your son back to the land from which you came?” Abraham said to him, “See to it that you do not take my son back there. The LORD, the God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house and from the land of my kindred, and who spoke to me and swore to me, ‘To your offspring I will give this land,’ he will send his angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there. But if the woman is not willing to follow you, then you will be free from this oath of mine; only you must not take my son back there.” So the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master and swore to him concerning this matter.

— Genesis 24:1-9 (ESV)

Key Points:

• Abraham’s deep concern for his son’s future.
• The importance of not blending Isaac’s line with the Canaanites.
• Trust that “the Lord…will send His angel before you” (v. 7).

Key Truth: Abraham sends his servant with a solemn charge to find a bride for Isaac—a mission rooted in faith and covenant.

Tie-in to the Great Commission:

Matthew 28:18–20 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

— Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)

• Abraham → a sending father (like God the Father)
• The servant → goes on behalf of another (like the Church)
• The servant is entrusted with a clear mission, not acting on his own authority

Discussion Prompts:

• How does Abraham’s instruction reflect trust in God’s promises?
• What parallels do you see between the servant’s task and our calling in the Great Commission?
• How does Abraham’s statement in v. 7 reflect his faith in God’s promises?
• What helps you stay faithful in your own personal “mission fields”?

Section 2: Spirit-Dependent and Prayerful

Genesis 23:10–14 Now Ephron was sitting among the Hittites, and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the hearing of the Hittites, of all who went in at the gate of his city, “No, my lord, hear me: I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. In the sight of the sons of my people I give it to you. Bury your dead.” Then Abraham bowed down before the people of the land. And he said to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, “But if you will, hear me: I give the price of the field. Accept it from me, that I may bury my dead there.” Ephron answered Abraham,

— Genesis 23:10-14 (ESV)

Key Points:

• The servant doesn’t assume success; he prays specifically for guidance.
• His prayer reflects dependence on God’s kindness.
• His request includes a sign—but with a heart open to God’s will.

Key Truth:

The servant doesn’t assume success—he prays specifically for God’s kindness and guidance. His mission is Spirit-dependent.

Tie-in to Discipleship:

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

— Acts 1:8 (ESV)

• We are also dependent on the Holy Spirit to lead us in mission.
• His prayer is both humble and bold—a great model for us in everyday obedience.

Discussion Prompts:

• Do you see yourself as someone God sends? How do you discern where or to whom?
• What stands out to you about the servant’s prayer? Is it bold? Humble? Too specific?
• What do you learn about how to pray from this passage?
• Have you experienced God answering a prayer clearly or quickly, like this?

Section 3: The Response of Character and Fruit

Genesis 23:15–20 “My lord, listen to me: a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is that between you and me? Bury your dead.” Abraham listened to Ephron, and Abraham weighed out for Ephron the silver that he had named in the hearing of the Hittites, four hundred shekels of silver, according to the weights current among the merchants. So the field of Ephron in Machpelah, which was to the east of Mamre, the field with the cave that was in it and all the trees that were in the field, throughout its whole area, was made over to Abraham as a possession in the presence of the Hittites, before all who went in at the gate of his city. After this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah east of Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan. The field and the cave that is in it were made over to Abraham as property for a burying place by the Hittites.

— Genesis 23:15-28 (ESV)

Key Points:

• Rebekah appears before the servant finishes praying.
• Her character (kindness, hospitality, hard work) is immediately evident.
• The servant worships and gives thanks.

Key Truth:

Rebekah, without knowledge of what’s at stake, shows kindness, generosity, and faithfulness—evidence of character consistent with the Fruit of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22–23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

— Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

Tie-in to Discipleship:

• When we respond to God’s call, the Spirit produces fruit in us.
• Rebekah goes beyond what is asked—just like believers are called to go beyond duty, living in love.

Discussion Prompts:

• How does God’s response encourage us in prayer?
• How do Rebekah’s actions model godly character?
• Which Fruit of the Spirit stand out most in this passage?
• In your own life, where is God growing fruit in “ordinary” circumstances?

Wrap it Up

The servant was sent with a purpose. Rebekah responded with the character of one prepared by God. As believers, we are both the sent ones and the ones who respond.

• Where is God sending you right now?
• What Fruit of the Spirit do you hope to bear more of in this season?
• How can we encourage one another to be faithful both in going and growing?