Abraham is one of the most significant figures in the Old Testament of the Bible. He is recognized as the Father of many nations and is considered a patriarch of the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic religions. Teaching students about Abraham can help them understand the foundations of these religions and gain insight into the importance of faith and obedience.

Abraham’s life demonstrates that faith and obedience can lead to blessings and the fulfillment of God’s promises. The story of Abraham begins in Genesis 12 when God called him to leave his home in Ur and travel to the land of Canaan, promising to bless him and make him a great nation. Abraham obeyed and set out, and indeed, God fulfilled his promise, making Abraham the patriarch of a great nation – the Israelites.

In addition to faith and obedience, Abraham’s story highlights the importance of trust in God’s plan. When God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac as a test of his faith, Abraham again obeyed and trusted that God had a plan. As he was about to sacrifice Isaac, God stopped him and provided a ram instead. This story teaches students that even in their darkest moments, they can trust God and rely on his plan for their lives.

Abraham’s story also shows the importance of hospitality and kindness. In Genesis 18, Abraham welcomed three strangers into his home and offered them food and drink. It turned out that these strangers were actually angels sent by God, and they informed Abraham that his wife Sarah would have a son despite her old age. This story teaches students the importance of treating others with kindness and generosity, as they never know who they may be helping.

Teaching students about Abraham can be done in various ways. One approach is to read the Bible passages that tell Abraham’s story and encourage students to ask questions and share their thoughts. Discussion questions might include asking students to identify how Abraham’s faith and obedience impacted his life, how God’s plan unfolded, and what lessons they can learn from Abraham’s hospitality toward strangers.

Another approach is to use visual aids such as maps and timelines to help students understand the geography and chronology of Abraham’s story. Some students may also enjoy acting out different scenes from Abraham’s life, such as his departure from Ur or his willingness to sacrifice Isaac.