The famous people: Abraham

Prayer

Next we will learn about a very famous man who God said would be the father of many nations! But this guy had no kids. God told his to go outside, look up at the stars and see if he can count them, that is how many descendants he would have!

His name was Abram. But God changed his name to Abraham, and his wife was Sarai, changed to Sarah.

Genesis 12:1–4 NLT

The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran.

Genesis 12:7 NLT

Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your descendants.” And Abram built an altar there and dedicated it to the Lord, who had appeared to him.

Now what was Gods promise to Abraham? (to make him into a great nation, to bless him, to give him land, to make his name great)

And God switched his name from Abram to Abraham because he would be the father of many nations.

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 Lesson (15 minutes)

“We’re going to start by talking about Abraham – an imperfect man who God chose to start the Jewish nation (his people).” Explain to the students that Abraham’s original name was Abram (God changed it to Abraham later). Start by reading God’s promises to Abram in Genesis 12:1-4 & 7. Ask, “How old was Abram when God announced his promises (75)? What were God’s promises (to make Abram into a great nation, to make his name great, to bless him, and to give him land)?” Then read Genesis 17:1-8 to learn why God changed Abram’s name to Abraham. Emphasize that God gave Abraham a new name (and a new identity) because he would make him into, “a father of many nations.”

Next, discuss that God’s choosing of Abraham doesn’t mean he was perfect. Read Genesis 12:10-20 to the class. Ask, “What sin did Abraham commit in this passage (lying/being deceptive)? Why was it such a serious sin (because it put others in harm’s way)?” Explain that even after Abraham’s sin, God still kept his promises (Genesis 15:1-6). Continue by reading one more account of sin in Abram’s life in Genesis 16:1-5 & 15-16. Ask, “What mistakes did Abraham make in this passage (adultery)? We’re going to see, however, that God still had a special plan for Abraham’s family.”

Lastly, read Genesis 17:15-20. Ask, “What would happen to Isaac? What would happen to Ishmael?” Finish by summarizing the significance of Abraham being willing to sacrifice his only son, Isaac (Genesis 22:1-18). Help the children understand that Abraham took obedience to the Lord very seriously, and the fact that he would be willing to sacrifice his own son mirrors God’s loving sacrifice of Jesus. Ask, “Did God still greatly use Abraham in spite of his mistakes (yes)? We learn from Abraham’s life that God is willing to forgive our sins and use us! We also know that Jesus died for everyone’s sins and that God wants us to repent and trust in Christ.” Share with the class how to become a believer in Jesus Christ and give an opportunity for the children to ask questions about salvation.