Paul again reaches into the story of Abraham to demonstrate to his readers the connection between the Jewish story and Jesus. It continues a brilliant apologetic of the gospel, using the very story that his opponents are using to discredit Paul’s preaching to demonstrate the continuity of the promise made to Abraham and its fulfillment in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Paul shows allegorically (3:24) the difference between spiritual slavery and freedom by comparing the ‘son of the slave woman’ from the ‘song of the free woman’ (3:23). This sermon is an opportunity to show the heart of God who gives grace to the barren (3:27) and to give voice to the ongoing spiritual attack facing the church (“it is the same now”).
Lent season is upon us! Use this time to reflect on what Jesus has done for us.
