Leader Guide

Teaching Time

Abraham and Sarah

Text: Genesis 17:1–8; 18:1–15; 21:1–7

Tell the Bible story slowly using the bullets provided. Bold text signals an action to perform; pause for children to imitate it. Add interest to the story by varying facial expression, voice, and volume level and engaging the children in questions and responses.

● Do you remember the man’s name in the Bible story? Abraham.

● Abraham was ninety-nine years old. If you think that is an old age, stand up tall! Children respond.

● You can sit down now. Yes, someone who is ninety-nine has lived a very long life.

● Abraham loved and trusted God, so he was very wise. Point to your head.

● Do you remember the name of Abraham’s wife? Sarah.

● You are correct! Sarah was not the same age as Abraham, but she was still old. (Genesis 17:17) Does anyone remember how old Sarah was? She was 89.

● God loved Abraham. So, He made a promise to him. What is that promise called? Covenant. Let’s stand and shout "covenant" together on the count of three: 1,2,3! Stand and shout, Covenant!

● In the video, what did Rig think the word covenant was? Covered in ants.

● Rig is silly, isn’t he? That would not be a blessing; it would be awful to be covered in ants!

● Miss Tina told us what covenant means. Do you remember what she said? A big promise.

● God’s promise surprised Abraham. Open mouth wide and put hands on cheeks in surprise.

● What did He promise to give to Abraham and Sarah? A son; a baby boy.

● God promised that Abraham would have more children than something in the sky. Do you remember what those things in the sky were? Stars.

● Somebody was listening in her tent. Cup one hand over an ear.

● Who was it? Sarah.

● Do you think she believed God’s promise? No!

● No, Sarah thought it was impossible for her to have a baby when she was so old. Instead of trusting God, what did Sarah do? She laughed quietly.

● Sarah quietly laughed! Cover your mouth and giggle quietly.

● God knows and hears everything! This is why He even hears what we think! So, God asked Abraham why Sarah laughed. Cover your mouth and giggle quietly.

● God said that nothing is too hard for Him to do. He then promised Abraham again that Sarah would have a son in one year! Point to the sky and shake your head "yes."

● God kept His promise. Do you remember how long Abraham and Sarah waited for God’s promise to come to pass? One year.

● Yes, one year later, Sarah gave birth to a baby boy. Cradle and rock a baby in your arms.

● Do you remember the baby’s name? Isaac.

● “Isaac” means “laughter”! Sarah laughed again, but this time, it was very different. Sarah didn’t laugh quietly; she laughed out loud this time. Laugh out loud.

● Sarah laughed because she was happy and wanted everyone to hear what God had done to keep His promise! Jump up and down to celebrate and laugh out loud. (Genesis 21:6)

● Nothing is too hard for God! Say it with me aloud on the count of three: 1, 2, 3! Nothing is too hard for God!

Abraham and Sarah needed to show patience in waiting on God’s promise that took one year to come to pass. When we trust in God’s promises and wait on Him, we will never be disappointed!