Genesis 18:1-15, Genesis 21, 22
This story has two basic parts - the birth of Isaac and Abraham's test.
Keep in mind that the testing of Abraham is a hard concept for young kids to understand. That part of the story may be better suited for the later elementary students.
At this point, Abraham and Sarah had left their homeland for the land God called them to. Abraham took a second wife, Hagar, Sarah's maidservant. They had a son, Ishmael. Let the students know it was common practice during Old Testament times for a man to have multiple wives.
Three visitors appeared to Abraham, while he was sitting in the entrance to his tent. Following the customs of the day regarding guests, Abraham bowed low to the ground, referred to them as "my lord" and had water brought for them to wash their feet. Abraham arranged for a meal to be prepared. Sarah was asked to make bread, while Abraham chose a tender calf, along with curds and milk.
Sarah was listening when Abraham was told he and Sarah would be having a son.Sarah was old and had been unable to have a child. She laughed at the thought. When asked why she laughed, she was afraid, so she denied it. Sarah had a son at the very time God had promised. He was named Isaac, which means laughter.
Abraham was asked to take his son, Isaac, and offer him as a sacrifice. Abraham prepared to obey, but God stopped him and provided a ram as a burnt offering. "Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld your son, your only son." Genesis 22:12. "...because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore." Genesis 22:16-17
If you are including this part of the story in your lesson, the key thing to emphasize to the children is that Isaac was a very special child to Abraham and Sarah, because of the promise God made to Abraham. Therefore, Abraham must have had great faith that God would keep his promise to him some way.
Bring baby blankets, small baby toys, bottle, and other baby supplies. Begin laying them out. Act excited about a new baby being born. Don't tell the students what baby you are referring to yet.
As they begin to ask questions, tell them they will get to meet the baby in today's Bible story.
Read story from a Children's storybook Bible for younger children.
For older children, read the story from an age-appropriate Children's storybook Bible or tell the story yourself.
Scripture for Kids to Read Aloud: Genesis 18:1-15
First, ask the children if they have any questions about the story. What to do if you don't know the answer?
Scripture Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah had by him. Genesis 21:3; Sarah said, "God has given laughter to me. Everyone who hears about this will laugh with me." Genesis 21:6
Supplies Baby names book with meaning, or device that can access the internet
Scripture Sarah said, "God has given laughter to me. Everyone who hears about this will laugh with me." Genesis 21:6
Scripture So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. "Quick!" he said. "Get about half a bushel of fine flour. Mix it and bake some bread." Genesis 12:6; He then brought some curds... Genesis 12:8
Supplies Room temperature cream, canning jars, colander, a bowl or two, 1/2 tsp salt, knife spatula, bread
Scripture Gen 21 :1 ' Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised.'
Supplies Sequin Stars/stickers Blue Construction Paper (cut in half) 2 Craft Sticks Yarn 4 Large Star Cut-Outs (we pre-cut our stars using a cookie cutter)
Scripture Sarah said, "God has given laughter to me. Everyone who hears about this will laugh with me." Genesis 21:6
Supplies Paper Plate, Construction paper, markers/crayons, stapler
Scripture So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. "Quick!" he said. "Get about half a bushel of fine flour. Mix it and bake some bread." Genesis 12:6
Supplies See link below
Scripture So Abraham named that place The Lord Will Provide. To this day people say, "It will be provided on the mountain of the Lord." Genesis 22:14
Supplies blank poster board, permanent marker
Scripture Sarah said, "God has given laughter to me. Everyone who hears about this will laugh with me." Genesis 21:6