This lesson teaches children that God always keeps his promises, even when we have to wait a long time for them. It is built for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a short story, a memory verse, a few Bible verses to read together, and an activity.
Big Idea
God keeps every promise he makes. He gave Abraham and Sarah a son just when he said he would, and he cared for Hagar and her son too.
Memory Verse
Genesis 21:1
The LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did to Sarah as he had spoken.
(WEB)
Hold both hands out, palms up, like you are receiving a gift. Then slowly bring them together over your heart as you say the verse with the class. Let the motion remind everyone that God gives what he promises.
The Story: Genesis 21 for Kids
Abraham and Sarah had waited a very long time for a baby. They were very old, and everyone thought it could never happen. But God had promised Abraham that he would have a son, and God does what he says.
One day, a baby boy was born to Abraham and Sarah. They named him Isaac, which means “he laughs.” Sarah was so happy that she said, “God has made me laugh. Everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” Abraham was one hundred years old, and Sarah was very happy indeed.
When Isaac grew bigger, Abraham made a big feast to celebrate. But Sarah saw Hagar’s son, Ishmael, teasing Isaac. Sarah was upset and said to Abraham, “Send Hagar and her son away!” This made Abraham sad, because Ishmael was his son too.
God spoke to Abraham and said, “Do not be upset about the boy. Listen to Sarah. I will also make a great nation from Hagar’s son, because he is your child.” So Abraham sent Hagar and Ishmael away with some bread and water.
In the desert, the water ran out. Hagar put Ishmael under a bush and cried, because she did not want to watch him die. God heard the boy crying. An angel called to Hagar from heaven and said, “Do not be afraid. Get up and hold the boy’s hand, because God will make him into a great nation.” Then God opened Hagar’s eyes, and she saw a well of water right there. She filled her bottle and gave the boy a drink. God was with Ishmael as he grew up in the desert.
Read It Together
Genesis 21:2
Sarah conceived, and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.
(WEB)
Point out that God did exactly what he said he would do. Ask the children to listen for the words “at the set time,” and explain that God picks the right time for his promises.
Genesis 21:17-18
17 God heard the voice of the boy. The angel of God called to Hagar out of the sky, and said to her, “What ails you, Hagar? Don’t be afraid. For God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. 18 Get up, lift up the boy, and hold him in your hand. For I will make him a great nation.”
(WEB)
Show the children that God heard Ishmael crying even in the desert. Explain that God cares about people who feel alone or scared, and that he can help even when we cannot see how.
Genesis 21:19
God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. She went, filled the bottle with water, and gave the boy drink.
(WEB)
Point to the moment God opened Hagar’s eyes so she could see the well. Explain that sometimes God shows us help that was close by all along, and we just need him to help us see it.
Talk About It
- What did Sarah say when she held her baby boy for the first time?
- Why do you think Abraham was sad when Sarah asked him to send Hagar and Ishmael away?
- How did God take care of Hagar and Ishmael when they ran out of water?
- Can you think of a time when you had to wait a long time for something you wanted?
- What is one promise God has made that you can remember this week?
Activity Ideas
Laughing Sarah Craft
You will need paper plates, crayons or markers, craft sticks, and glue. Have each child draw a happy face on the plate, then glue it to a craft stick. Let them draw a big smile and write the word “laugh” on the back. Explain that Isaac’s name means “he laughs,” and that God gave Sarah a reason to be happy.
Wait and Watch Game
You will need a timer or a clock with a second hand. Set the timer for one minute and have the children sit quietly and wait for it to ring. Then talk about how hard it is to wait. Explain that Abraham and Sarah waited many years, but God kept his promise at the right time.
Promise Card for Home
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a marker. Have each child write “God keeps his promises” on the card and draw a picture of something God promised, like a rainbow or a friend who is always with them. Encourage them to put the card somewhere they will see it at home, such as beside their bed.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is faithful to his word even when his people are impatient or make hard choices. It also shows that God cares for Hagar and Ishmael, who were outside the main family line, and that his blessing reaches beyond one family. Adults can see both God’s faithfulness to Abraham and his compassion for those who are rejected.
Be careful not to make Sarah or Abraham look like villains to children. The story is about God’s faithfulness, not about blaming any one person. Also avoid teaching that God only helps people after they behave well, because Hagar and Ishmael were helped in their need.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you always keep your promises to us. Help us to wait patiently and trust you, even when it feels like a long time. Thank you for hearing us when we cry and for showing us help when we need it. Help us remember your love every day. Amen.
