Isaac / Christ Parallels

"Often, people who were important in the line of the Messiah foreshadow Him in some way, and we see this with the sacrifice of Isaac. 

God calls Isaac Abraham’s “only son … whom you love”. There is a parallel when God says to Jesus, “You are My beloved Son” (Mark 1:11). Isaac, like Jesus, 

--was sacrificed willingly without a struggle and carried the wood for his own sacrifice,

--just as Jesus carried His own cross.

The parallels end, however, 

--when God stops Abraham from killing his son.

--God showed no mercy to His own Son, because God’s wrath poured out on Jesus is what allows Him to show mercy to those who trust in Jesus’ sacrifice. 

The ram, sacrificed instead of Isaac, then serves as another picture of Jesus—God’s Lamb slain as our substitute." 

CMI