🎧 Listen to Jordan & Quinn’s teacher guide
Learn how to navigate the complex story of Abram’s failure in Egypt with grace and clarity. This episode explores the methodology for teaching kids that God’s faithfulness is bigger than our fear. You will get practical insights on using the 'Trusting God Crown' craft to help students internalize the truth that God is a sovereign protector even when we make mistakes.
Abraham in Egypt (Genesis 12:10-20)
After God promised to make Abram a great nation, a terrible famine came to the land. Because there was no food, Abram decided to take his family down to Egypt to survive. But as they got closer, Abram started to feel afraid.
He looked at his wife, Sarai, and saw how beautiful she was. He worried that the men in Egypt would kill him just to take her away. Instead of trusting God to protect them, Abram came up with a fearful plan. He asked Sarai to tell everyone she was his sister so he would be safe.
When they arrived, Pharaoh heard about Sarai’s beauty and took her into his palace. He gave Abram many gifts like sheep, cattle, and camels, but Abram had given his wife away to protect himself. It was a bad plan born out of fear.
Even though Abram made a selfish mistake, God was still faithful. God sent a plague to Pharaoh’s house because of Sarai. When Pharaoh realized the truth, he returned Sarai and sent them away with all their belongings. This story shows us that even when we are weak or afraid, God's protection and His promises are bigger than our mistakes.
A Curious Question
When you feel scared or worried about something, why is it often harder to trust God than it is to try and fix the problem all by yourself?
Jesus Connection
Even though Abram made a selfish mistake because he was afraid, God did not take away His promises. God’s love was bigger than Abram's fear, and He rescued both Abram and Sarai. This points us directly to Jesus Christ. Just like God rescued Abram from a mess he created, Jesus rescues us from the mess of our sin. While Abram tried to save himself by being dishonest, Jesus saved us by being perfectly faithful. He died on the cross and rose again to give us a way back to God, showing that He is the greatest blessing for every family on earth.
Discussion Questions
- How did Abram show that he was more focused on his own safety than he was on trusting God's promises?
- How did God show that He was still a faithful promise-keeper even after Abram made such a selfish mistake?
- When you make a mistake that you feel guilty or afraid about, how does it help to know that God is still looking out for you?
"So What?" What Can I Do?
- Pray First: When you feel worried about something this week, stop and talk to God before you try to fix it yourself. Tell Him exactly what makes you scared.
- Practice Truthfulness: If you make a mistake, be brave and honest about it instead of trying to hide it. Remember that God's love for you does not change when you fail.
- Look for God's Protection: Every night before bed, think of one way God took care of you during the day. Thank Him for being a faithful promise-keeper.
- Share the Load: If a worry feels too big, tell a parent or a teacher. God often uses the people who love us to show us His comfort and help.
Memorize God's Word
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." ~ Deuteronomy 31:6
Hand Motions:
- Be strong: Make a fist and flex your arm like a muscle.
- and courageous: Place one hand on your heart.
- Do not be afraid or terrified: Shake your hands in front of you as if pushing fear away.
- for the Lord your God: Point both thumbs to your chest.
- goes with you: Point straight out in front of you.
- he will never leave you: Hold one hand out flat then sweep the other hand over it.
- nor forsake you: Cross your arms over your chest as if giving yourself a hug.
Praying with Kids
Dear Father, thank You for always being with us, even when we feel scared or worried. You are a big and powerful God, and we know we can trust You to take care of us. Please help us to be brave and truthful, especially when we are tempted to make bad choices because of fear. Thank You for Your faithfulness and for the gift of Jesus, who shows us that You will never leave us. Amen.
Craft: The Trusting God Crown
Children will create a tangible reminder that God is the King who is in control. By placing God's promises on the inside of the crown, they learn that His love and power surround them even when they feel afraid.
Materials Checklist:
- Cardstock or Construction Paper
- Markers or Crayons
- Glue Sticks
- Stickers or Gems
- Scissors
- Tape or Stapler
Instructions:
- Provide each child with a crown cutout or a long strip of paper with triangle peaks.
- Have the kids decorate the outside of the crown by drawing or writing things that sometimes make them feel scared or worried.
- Ask the children to flip the crown over. On the inside, have them draw symbols of God's protection like a heart for love, a shield for safety, or a cross for Jesus.
- As you assemble the crowns, remind the students that just as the inside of the crown touches their head, God's presence is always closest to us.
- Secure the crown with tape or staples to fit each child comfortably.
Teacher Tips for Impact
- Emphasize God's Grace: This story can be complex because of Abram's choice. Keep your focus on the main truth: while Abram's fear led to a poor decision, God's faithfulness rescued him. This helps kids understand that God loves us even when we make mistakes.
- Interactive Role-Play: Have volunteers act out the moments of fear and rescue. Use simple props like a crown for Pharaoh or a bag for Abram. Asking the "actors" how they think their characters felt helps the whole class understand the weight of trusting God in scary moments.
- Relate to Everyday Life: Connect with your students by asking if they have ever "bent the truth" to stay out of trouble. By identifying with Abram's fear, children can better see their own need for Jesus, who is the only one who was perfectly truthful and faithful for us.