This lesson teaches children that God keeps His promises, even when they seem impossible, and that He listens when people ask Him for mercy. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God always keeps His promises, and nothing is too hard for Him. He also listens when we pray for others.
Memory Verse
Genesis 18:14
Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the set time I will return to you, when the season comes round, and Sarah will have a son.”
(WEB)
Have children hold both arms out wide like a big question mark, then bring their hands together in front of their chest as they say the verse. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time, so the words stay in their hearts.
The Story: Genesis 18 for Kids
One hot afternoon, Abraham was sitting outside his tent near some big oak trees. He looked up and saw three visitors standing nearby. He ran to meet them, bowed low to the ground, and said, “Please rest here under the tree. Let me bring you water and some food.”
Abraham hurried to tell his wife, Sarah, to make bread. Then he picked out a fine young calf and had his servant prepare it. The visitors ate under the tree while Abraham stood close by to take care of them. Abraham was kind to strangers, and he did not wait to be asked.
Then one of the visitors said, “Next year, I will come back, and Sarah will have a baby boy.” Sarah was listening from inside the tent. She laughed quietly to herself, because she and Abraham were very old, and a baby seemed impossible.
The Lord asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh? Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Sarah was scared, so she said, “I didn’t laugh.” But the Lord knew the truth, and He still kept His promise.
Later, the visitors got up to leave, and they looked toward the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The Lord told Abraham that the people there had done very wrong. Abraham cared about those people, so he started to pray. He asked the Lord, “If there are fifty good people in the city, will You spare it?” The Lord said yes.
Abraham kept asking, and he kept getting bigger yes answers. He asked about forty-five people, then forty, then thirty, then twenty, and finally ten. Each time, the Lord said He would spare the city for the sake of the good people. Then the Lord went on His way, and Abraham went back home.
Read It Together
Genesis 18:1-2
1 The LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day. 2 He lifted up his eyes and looked, and saw that three men stood opposite him. When he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself to the earth…
(WEB)
Point out that Abraham noticed his visitors and ran to greet them, even though he was tired and it was hot. Ask children what it looks like to be quick and kind to people who come to our home.
Genesis 18:10
He said, “I will certainly return to you at about this time next year; and behold, Sarah your wife will have a son.” Sarah heard in the tent door, which was behind him.
(WEB)
Show children that God spoke clearly about His plan for Abraham and Sarah. Remind them that God’s promises come true at the right time, even when we cannot see how.
Genesis 18:32
He said, “Oh don’t let the Lord be angry, and I will speak just once more. What if ten are found there?” He said, “I will not destroy it for the ten’s sake.”
(WEB)
Explain that Abraham kept praying and asking for mercy for others. Point out that prayer for other people is important, and that God listens to us when we ask Him to help.
Talk About It
- What did Abraham do when he saw the three visitors coming toward his tent?
- Why do you think Sarah laughed when she heard about the baby?
- What did the Lord say that was too hard for Him, or not too hard for Him?
- Why did Abraham keep asking the Lord questions about the city?
- How can we show kindness to people who visit us or who are new to our class?
Activity Ideas
Oak Tree Handprint Craft
You will need brown paper, crayons or markers, scissors, and glue. Have each child trace one hand on brown paper for the trunk and branches, then add green paper leaves. Write “Nothing is too hard for the Lord” across the bottom. Children can take the picture home to remind them of God’s promise.
Ask Abraham Relay Game
You will need a cup of water, a small bread roll, and a chair to act as the tree. Children take turns carrying the cup and roll to the chair, bowing low like Abraham did, and saying, “Please rest here.” Cheer for each child who shows kindness. Then ask the group to name one way God keeps His promises.
Promise Card for Home
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a pen. Have each child write or draw a small picture of Genesis 18:14 on the card. Encourage them to tape it to a bedroom mirror or the fridge. Tell them to read it each morning and ask God to help someone they love.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that God keeps His word, even when people laugh because the promise seems impossible. It also shows that Abraham’s bold prayer for others is welcome before God, and that God is just and merciful. Adults can take comfort that God hears persistent prayers offered in humility.
Avoid suggesting to children that God will always give exactly what we ask for in the same way, or that a faithful life guarantees easy answers. Keep the focus on God’s character, His faithfulness, and His care for people, rather than on promises of specific outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that nothing is too hard for You. Help us trust Your promises, even when they seem strange. Teach us to be kind to people who visit us, and to pray for others the way Abraham did. Thank You for always listening to us. Amen.
