This lesson teaches children that God keeps every promise He makes, even when people think it is impossible. Genesis 17 tells how God renamed Abram and Sarai and promised them a son in their old age. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God always keeps His promises. Even when something seems impossible to us, nothing is too hard for God, and He faithfully does what He said.
Memory Verse
Genesis 17:1
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty. Walk before me, and be blameless.
(WEB)
Put one hand on your chest and lift the other hand high like you are reaching for the sky. Say the verse slowly while you move your hands, and remind children that God is big and strong enough to keep His word.
The Story: Genesis 17 for Kids
One day, when Abram was ninety-nine years old, God came to visit him. God said, “I am God Almighty. Walk with me and be good and faithful.” Abram was so amazed that he fell down on his face. God had a wonderful promise to share with him.
God told Abram that he would be the father of many nations. Abram had no children yet, and he and his wife Sarai were already old. God even changed Abram’s name to Abraham, which means “father of many,” and Sarai’s name became Sarah. God wanted their new names to remind them of His promise.
God also gave Abraham a special sign of the promise, called circumcision. Every male in his family would receive this sign so they would remember that they belonged to God. Abraham obeyed right away, just as God had told him.
Then God said that Sarah would have a son. Abraham laughed inside his heart, because he thought it was too good to be true. But God answered, “Sarah will bear you a son. You shall call his name Isaac.” God kept His promise, and Isaac was born later, just as God had said.
Read It Together
Genesis 17:4-5
4 “As for me, behold, my covenant is with you. You will be the father of a multitude of nations. 5 Your name will no more be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham; for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.
(WEB)
Point out that God made a promise to Abraham before there were any children at all. Ask the children to notice how God told Abraham that he would be the father of many nations.
Genesis 17:15-16
15 God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but her name will be Sarah. 16 I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. Yes, I will bless her, and she will be a mother of nations. Kings of peoples will come from her.”
(WEB)
Show the children how God gave Sarah a new name and promised to bless her. Explain that God cares about each person and gives them meaningful names.
Genesis 17:19
God said, “No, but Sarah, your wife, will bear you a son. You shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him.
(WEB)
Point out the name Isaac, which God chose before the baby was born. Tell the children that God planned everything and told Abraham exactly what would happen.
Talk About It
- What do you think Abraham felt when God told him he would have many children?
- Why do you think God changed the names of Abram and Sarai?
- When Abraham laughed, what do you think God wanted him to remember?
- Can you think of a time when someone kept a promise to you? How did it make you feel?
- What is one thing that seems hard for you right now that you can trust God with?
Activity Ideas
Star Count Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, scissors, and a pencil. Have each child trace their hand on paper and cut it out. Ask them to write one of God’s promises on each finger, then count the stars in the sky together. Explain that God’s promise to Abraham was as countless as the stars.
Promise Keeper Game
Gather a few soft toys or cushions to act as the family. Have one child be God and give a simple promise, such as “I will bring you home safe.” Then have another child act out how that promise comes true with a movement, like walking to a chair. Take turns so everyone gets a chance to be God and the one who trusts.
Take-Home Name Card
You will need index cards, a marker, and a ribbon or string. Write each child’s name on a card and add a short word of encouragement next to it, such as “God knows you.” Punch a hole in the corner and tie the ribbon through it. Ask the children to hang it in their room as a reminder that God keeps His promises to them.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s covenant with Abraham rests on His own faithfulness, not on Abraham’s strength. Abraham was old and Sarah was past childbearing age, yet God kept His word exactly as promised. Circumcision served as a sign of belonging to God’s covenant people, pointing to a faith that trusts God’s character.
Avoid suggesting to children that God’s promises mean they will always get exactly what they ask for in life. The lesson is that God keeps His word, not that He gives every wish. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and His good plan.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for keeping every promise You make to us. Help us trust You even when things seem impossible. Teach us to remember that nothing is too hard for You. Amen.
