This lesson teaches children that God called Abram to go somewhere new and promised to bless him, and that God keeps his promises even when we are scared. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God keeps his promises, even when we don’t know what will happen next. He was with Abram on every step of the journey.
Memory Verse
Genesis 12:2
I will make of you a great nation. I will bless you and make your name great. You will be a blessing.
(WEB)
Put one hand on your heart and hold up your other hand like a big “L” for Lord. Say the verse slowly while you move both hands out wide, like you are opening your arms to show how big God’s blessing is.
The Story: Genesis 12 for Kids
Abram lived in a city called Haran with his wife, Sarai, and his nephew, Lot. One day God spoke to Abram and said, “Leave your country and your family, and go to a land I will show you.” Abram did not know where he was going, but he trusted God and obeyed.
So Abram packed up everything he owned and set off with Sarai and Lot. He was seventy-five years old, which is a lot older than most of us! Along the way they stopped in a place called Shechem, and God came to Abram there and said, “I will give this land to your children.” Abram built an altar to thank God for his promise.
Then a big problem came. There was not enough food in the land, so Abram and Sarai went down to Egypt to find help. Abram was scared that the Egyptians would hurt him because Sarai was so beautiful. So he told them Sarai was his sister, and he was not truthful about it.
Pharaoh took Sarai into his house, and God sent big troubles on Pharaoh’s home. Pharaoh called Abram in and asked, “Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife?” Then Pharaoh sent Abram and Sarai away, with all the things they had gathered.
Even when Abram made mistakes, God still kept his promise. God was faithful to Abram, and that is the most important part of the story.
Read It Together
Genesis 12:1
Now the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, and your relatives, and your father’s house, and go to the land that I will show you.
(WEB)
Point out that God spoke first. Abram did not go looking for God. God called him and told him exactly where to go, which shows that God starts things.
Genesis 12:4
So Abram went, as the LORD had told him. Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.
(WEB)
Point out the words “So Abram went.” Ask children what it looks like to obey God quickly, the way Abram did, even when the next step is not clear.
Genesis 12:7
The LORD appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your offspring.” He built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.
(WEB)
Point out that God came back to Abram to remind him of the promise. Show children that God often reminds us of his promises when we need them most.
Talk About It
- What do you think Abram felt when God asked him to leave his home?
- Why is it hard to go somewhere new without knowing exactly what will happen?
- What is one thing God has promised us in the Bible?
- Why do you think Abram built an altar to thank God?
- When Abram was scared in Egypt, what can we learn from how God still took care of him?
Activity Ideas
Draw the Journey
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a simple map with a starting point labeled Haran and a path leading to a new land. Along the path, have them draw a small tent and an altar to show where Abram stopped to worship God.
Follow the Leader Journey
Clear a space in a room or hallway. Have one child be Abram and the rest be followers. Say “God says go!” and the followers walk behind Abram, taking slow steps. Stop now and then and say “God promised!” so the group pauses and cheers quietly. This helps children feel what it is like to follow someone they trust.
Promise Keeper Card
You will need an index card or small piece of cardstock, a pen, and a sticker or a drawn star. Help each child write “God keeps his promises” on the card and decorate it with the star. Encourage them to keep it in a pocket, backpack, or by their bed as a reminder that God is faithful.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s call often comes before we understand the full plan. Abram’s obedience began with a step of faith, and God’s promise of blessing reached far beyond his own lifetime, extending to all the families of the earth. The chapter also shows God’s faithfulness even when people fail, such as when Abram was afraid and not fully honest.
With children, avoid overstating Abram’s failure in Egypt as an example to copy. Focus instead on God’s faithfulness and protection, and gently explain that Abram made a wrong choice that God still worked through. Keep the emphasis on God’s character rather than on the mistakes of the characters.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for keeping your promises to Abram and to us. Help us trust you when we do not know the next step. Help us follow you the way Abram did. Amen.
