Abraham's Three Visitors

God changed Abram and Sarai’s names to Abraham and Sarah. When they hosted three visitors, they were told that God would give them a child within the year. The promise was fulfilled when Sarah gave birth to a son, Isaac, one year later. Abraham was 100 years old, and Sarah was 90 when Isaac was born.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Genesis 18:1-15; 21:1-7

Outline:

1. Abraham and Sarah offer hospitality to three visitors (Genesis 18:1-8)
2. The Lord promises a son (Genesis 18:9-16)
3. Isaac is born one year later (Genesis 21:1-7)

Tips for teaching children:

• Use sheets and blankets to construct a tent
• Prepare food as if for a guest
• Sing God Answers Prayer and talk about how, sometimes, we have to wait for God to answer our prayers.

Tips for teaching adults:

• Here’s a fun conversation starter at the beginning of class:  “What makes you laugh?” “What do you think is funny?”
• Some questions to get a conversation going: 
  • How did Abraham and Sarah show hospitality to these three visitors? 
  • How do you show hospitality to visitors to your house?
  • What do you do to make them feel like they are important? 
• Verse 14 is the key text in this story.  Ask the class if anyone wants to share difficult things in their life.  Pray about the hard things that were shared in the class.  
• When is it hardest for you to trust God?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Abram’s Three Visitors

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org