This lesson teaches children that God keeps His promises and protects His people, even when they make mistakes. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the Bible reading, and the activity.
Big Idea
God sees everything, He keeps His people safe, and He always tells the truth. Even when we are scared or get things wrong, God is still close to us and still takes care of us.
Memory Verse
Genesis 20:6
God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that in the integrity of your heart you have done this, and I also withheld you from sinning against me. Therefore I didn’t allow you to touch her.
(WEB)
Have children cup their hands over their heart on the first half of the verse and open their arms wide on the second half. Practice it together three times, slowly, then once more with a little more speed.
The Story: Genesis 20 for Kids
Abraham and his wife Sarah moved to a place called Gerar. Abraham was afraid that the king there, a man named Abimelech, would want to marry Sarah and might hurt him to get her. So Abraham told a half-truth. He said Sarah was his sister, which was partly true, because she was also his wife.
King Abimelech believed Abraham and brought Sarah into his house. But that night God came to Abimelech in a dream. God warned him, “You are going to die, because the woman you took is someone else’s wife.” Abimelech had not touched Sarah, and he said so. He asked God, “Will you punish an innocent people?”
God answered that He knew Abimelech’s heart was honest. God had kept him from doing wrong. Then God told him to give Sarah back to Abraham, because Abraham was a prophet who would pray for him. The king was saved, but only if he listened.
Early the next morning, Abimelech gathered his servants and told them everything. They were very frightened. He called Abraham in and asked him, “What have you done to us?” Abraham explained his fear, and Abimelech did not stay angry. He gave Abraham sheep, cattle, and servants, and returned Sarah to him. He even invited Abraham to live anywhere in the land he liked.
Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech and his household. God had closed the wombs of the women in that house because of Sarah, and now they could have children again. God’s care reached even the people Abraham was afraid of.
Read It Together
Genesis 20:3
But God came to Abimelech in a dream of the night, and said to him, “Behold, you are a dead man, because of the woman whom you have taken. For she is a man’s wife.”
(WEB)
Point out that God came to Abimelech in a dream. Ask children to notice that God speaks to people even when they are far away and not expecting Him. This shows that nothing is hidden from God.
Genesis 20:7
Now therefore, restore the man’s wife. For he is a prophet, and he will pray for you, and you will live. If you don’t restore her, know for sure that you will die, you, and all who are yours.”
(WEB)
Show children that God is kind and gives a way back. God told Abimelech what to do to be safe. Explain that God’s warnings are given so that people can turn around and be saved.
Genesis 20:17
Abraham prayed to God. God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his female servants, and they bore children.
(WEB)
Point out that Abraham prayed, and God answered by healing. Remind children that prayer matters, even for people who are not in our family, and that God loves to bless and heal.
Talk About It
- Why do you think Abraham was afraid, and what could he have done instead of being afraid?
- What did God do to keep Abimelech from sinning, and why is that a good thing for God to do?
- How did Abimelech show that he was willing to listen to God?
- Why do you think God wanted Abraham to pray for Abimelech?
- When you are scared, what can you remember about God that helps you feel brave?
Activity Ideas
Dream Picture Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a night sky with a sleeping king in a bed and a small star or light above him to show God speaking in a dream. Let them color it and write one word on the picture, such as “God sees.” Hang the drawings where children can see them during the week.
Tiptoe and Freeze Game
Clear a space in the room and choose one child to be the king Abimelech in the middle. The rest of the children tiptoe toward him slowly. When the leader calls “God is watching,” everyone freezes. Anyone who moves is out for a round. Use this to talk about how God sees our every move and keeps us safe.
Thank You Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, paper strips, and a pen. Each day for a week, have the child write or draw one thing God protected them from or one way God took care of them. Read the notes together at the end of the week. This gives families a simple way to remember God’s faithfulness at home.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is faithful to His promises even when His people fall short. Abraham lied out of fear, and his half-truth caused real trouble for others. Yet God intervened, protected Abimelech from sin, and healed the household. It also shows that God’s purposes reach beyond one family and that prayer from the one God chose can bless people outside His covenant. Honest reflection on fear, deception, and grace fits well in adult discussion.
With children, avoid overstating the story as a lesson that lying is harmless because God will fix it. Abraham’s deception was wrong and caused harm. Make clear that the point is God’s protection and mercy, not that we should copy Abraham’s fear. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness rather than on the mistakes of the people in the story.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for seeing everything and never forgetting us. When we are scared, help us remember that You are close and You keep Your promises. Protect us when we feel afraid, and help us tell the truth and trust You. Thank You for loving every person in the world. Amen.
