This lesson teaches children that Abram trusted God, who rescued Lot and gave Abram the victory, and that God is always bigger than any enemy. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the activity.
Big Idea
God is strong and good, and He takes care of His people even when things go wrong. Abram trusted God, and God kept him safe.
Memory Verse
Genesis 14:20
And blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Abram gave him a tenth of all.
(WEB)
Have children stand tall with their arms raised high like a winner’s cheer each time they say “God Most High.” Then bring the arms down slowly as they say “has delivered your enemies,” and fold their hands together on “Amen.” Repeat the motions together three times.
The Story: Genesis 14 for Kids
A long time ago, Abram lived in the land of Canaan with his family and his servants. His nephew Lot lived in a city called Sodom. One day, four powerful kings from faraway lands made war on the kings of five cities, including Sodom. The four kings won the battle, and they took the goods and food from Sodom. They also took Lot and his belongings.
Someone who escaped ran to Abram and told him what had happened. Abram did not wait around. He gathered 318 of his trained men, the ones who were born in his own house, and went after the enemy kings. He divided his men into groups during the night, and they surprised the enemies and chased them far away.
Abram brought back everything the enemies had taken. He brought back Lot, Lot’s goods, the women, and all the other people. Abram had been brave, and God had helped him win.
After the battle, a king named Melchizedek came out to meet Abram. He brought bread and wine, and he was a priest of God Most High. Melchizedek blessed Abram and said that God Most High had given Abram victory over his enemies. Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything he had won.
Then the king of Sodom came to Abram and said, “You can keep the goods. Just give me back the people.” Abram said no. He told the king that he had lifted his hand to the LORD and would not take anything that belonged to the king. Abram wanted everyone to know that God, not the king, was the one who made him rich.
Read It Together
Genesis 14:13-14
13 One who had escaped came and told Abram, the Hebrew. At that time, he lived by the oaks of Mamre, the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner; and they were allies of Abram. 14 When Abram heard that his relative was taken captive, he led out his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued as far as Dan.
(WEB)
Point out that Abram heard about his nephew’s trouble and acted quickly. Ask children what they think Abram was feeling when he heard the news, and how it shows he cared about his family.
Genesis 14:18-19
18 Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine: and he was priest of God Most High. 19 He blessed him, and said, “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth…
(WEB)
Show children that Melchizedek brought bread and wine and blessed Abram in God’s name. Explain that a blessing is a way of saying good things and asking God to care for someone.
Genesis 14:22-23
22 Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted up my hand to the LORD, God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, 23 that I will not take a thread nor a sandal strap nor anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’
(WEB)
Point out that Abram refused the king’s gifts so no one could say he got rich from a bad king. Talk about how Abram wanted God to get the credit for his blessings.
Talk About It
- What did Abram do when he found out that Lot was taken away?
- How do you think Abram felt when he won the battle, and who did he thank?
- Why do you think Melchizedek brought bread and wine to Abram?
- Why did Abram say no to the king of Sodom’s gifts?
- When has God helped you feel brave, like He helped Abram?
Activity Ideas
Draw Abram’s Rescue Scene
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons or colored pencils, and a pencil for sketching. Ask them to draw Abram leading his 318 men at night, or Abram bringing Lot home safely. Encourage them to label the people and add a small picture of God in the sky. Let children explain their drawings to the group when they finish.
Victory March Game
Clear a space in the room or outside. Have children march in a line like Abram’s men, quietly at first, then cheering loudly when the teacher says “Victory!” Play a few rounds, and each time, call out a different sound or movement to show how the men surprised the enemies by moving in the dark. Finish by having everyone stop and say together, “God gave us the win.”
Take-Home Thankful Cards
Give each child a folded piece of card stock or a sheet of paper, plus markers and safety scissors if needed. Ask them to write or draw one thing God has done to keep them safe this week. Suggest they put the card where they will see it at bedtime. Remind them to thank God for His care each time they look at it.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows God’s faithfulness in the middle of a violent world. Abram acts with courage and loyalty, yet he gives the credit for victory to God Most High and refuses to build his own reputation on what the king of Sodom offers. Melchizedek appears briefly as a priest who blesses Abram, and the New Testament later refers back to him, so it is good to mention that he is a figure who points forward to Jesus.
With children, avoid overstating that God always makes us win battles or that following God means we will never face danger. The story shows God’s help, but it does not promise that every hard situation will turn out as neatly. Focus on God’s care and faithfulness, and let children see that trusting Him is always the right response.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are strong and You take care of us. Help us to be brave like Abram and to trust You when we feel scared. Thank You for keeping Your promises and for loving us every day. Amen.
