Abram was a descendant of Shem (Noah's son). His father was Terah. For many years, Abram lived in Haran with many of his relatives. Haran is in modern-day Turkey. Canaan is in the area of modern-day Israel, Lebanon and Palestine.
God called Abram to leave his country and his people and go to a land that he would show him (Genesis 12 and Acts 7:2-4). Abram was married to Sarai. At this point in the story, they did not have any children. Abram left as the Lord told him. He took his wife, Sarai, his nephew Lot and all their possessions.
God promised Abram that he would make him into a great nation (Genesis 12:2 and Genesis 15). "I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust , then your offspring could be counted." Genesis 13:16 He confirmed this covenant again in Genesis 17:4. God changed Abram's name to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah (Genesis 17:5-6). Abraham means "father of many nations".
Ask the children if they have ever moved. Were they nervous? Was it scary? Imagine if you packed up your house and started moving before you even knew where you were going! In this lesson, we learn about a man who did just that.
The key things to focus on in this lesson are:
Read story from a Children's storybook Bible for younger children.
For older children, you can read Genesis 12:1-9 directly from a Bible (especially an easy-to-understand version like the NIrV)
Scripture for Kids to Read Aloud: Genesis 12:1-5, Genesis 15:1-6
First, ask the children if they have any questions about the story. What to do if you don't know the answer?
Scripture He took his wife Sarai and his nephew Lot. They took all of the things they had gotten in Haran. They also took the workers they had gotten there. Genesis 12:5
Supplies fill two similar sized luggage bags or small suitcases with clothing, toys and other items that kids are familiar with.
Scripture The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your country and your people. Leave your father's family. Go to the land I will show you. Genesis 12:1
Supplies A world map that contains the middle East (including Turkey and Israel)
Scripture Abram left, just as the Lord had told him. Lot went with him. Abram was 75 years old when he left Haran. He took his wife Sarai and his nephew Lot. They took all of the things they had gotten in Haran. They also took the workers they had gotten there.
Heads up! I love to use empty individual, disposable applesauce containers for paint projects
Scripture So I will certainly bless you. I will make your children after you as many as the stars in the sky. I will make them as many as the grains of sand on the seashore. Your children will take over the cities of their enemies. Genesis 22:17
Supplies salt, water, food coloring, small containers, paint burshes, construction paper, measuing cups and spoons
Scripture Romans 10:17
Supplies blindfold, 2 student volunteers
Scripture From there, Abram went on toward the hills east of Bethel. He set up his tent there. Bethel was to the west, and Ai was to the east. Genesis 12:8
Scripture The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your country and your people. Leave your father's family. Go to the land I will show you. Genesis 12:1
Scripture "So I will certainly bless you. I will make your children after you as many as the stars in the sky. I will make them as many as the grains of sand on the seashore. Your children will take over the cities of their enemies. Genesis 22:17
Supplies black construction paper, white chalk, printed or die cut stars
Scripture So I will certainly bless you. I will make your children after you as many as the stars in the sky. I will make them as many as the grains of sand on the seashore. Your children will take over the cities of their enemies. Genesis 22:17
Scripture So I will certainly bless you. I will make your children after you as many as the stars in the sky. I will make them as many as the grains of sand on the seashore. Your children will take over the cities of their enemies. Genesis 22:17