🎧 Listen to Jordan & Quinn’s teacher guide
Join us as we explore the story of Abram and Lot's separation in Genesis 13. We walk through helpful teaching tips for the Peace Promise Bracelet craft and discuss how to help kids understand the value of being a peacemaker. Plus, we dive into the Jesus connection to show how Abram’s selfless choice points us directly to the Gospel.
Abram and Lot Choose Their Paths
(Genesis 13)
After leaving Egypt, Abram and his nephew Lot returned to the land of Canaan. They had become very wealthy, with huge herds of sheep, goats, and cattle. But there was a problem: the land wasn't big enough for everyone! Soon, their herdsmen began to argue over where the animals should eat.
Abram knew that fighting hurts families. As the leader, he could have taken the best land for himself, but he chose to be a peacemaker. He told Lot, "Let’s not fight. You choose first. If you go left, I'll go right. If you go right, I'll go left."
Lot looked out and saw the Jordan Valley. It was lush, green, and beautiful; it looked like a paradise! Lot chose the best-looking land for himself and moved toward the city of Sodom. Abram was left with the dry, rocky hills, but he didn't complain. He trusted God to provide.
As soon as Lot left, God spoke to Abram. He promised that all the land Abram could see, in every direction, would belong to him and his family forever. God also promised that Abram’s family would become as countless as the dust of the earth. Abram moved his tents to Hebron and built an altar to worship the Lord, knowing that God's promises are better than any piece of land.
A Curious Question
Have you ever had to choose between two things, and you really wanted the better one for yourself? What does it mean to give up something you want just to help a friend or family member? Why is it sometimes better to not get your way if it means keeping the peace?
Jesus Connection
Abram’s selfless choice is a biblical shadow of what Jesus Christ did for us. While Abram gave up the best land to keep peace with his family, Jesus gave up His royal throne in Heaven to come to earth as a servant. Jesus is the ultimate Peacemaker who gave up His life on the cross to bring us back to God. Just as Abram trusted God to provide in the rocky hills, we can trust that Jesus is our true inheritance who makes us part of God’s family forever.
Discussion Questions
- What was the problem between Abram and Lot, and how did Abram’s choice to be a peacemaker solve it?
- How did Abram’s willingness to let Lot go first prove that he trusted God to take care of him?
- Can you think of a time when it was difficult to be generous? How does Jesus’ example help us choose peace?
“So What?” What Can I Do?
The next time you and a friend or a sibling want the same toy or the same seat, you can remember Abram’s example and let them go first. Being a peacemaker means putting others before yourself because you know that God is the one who truly provides everything you need.
You can also be a peacemaker at school or during a game by helping friends who are arguing to be kind to each other. Instead of joining in the fight, you can choose to act like Jesus by staying calm and doing what is right with a happy heart. When you choose peace over winning an argument, you show everyone around you the love of God in action.
Memorize God's Word
Matthew 5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
Hand Motions:
- Blessed are the peacemakers: Hold your hands out and bring them together as if shaking hands with a friend
- for they shall be called: Cup your hands around your mouth like you are calling out a name
- sons of God: Point both hands straight up toward the sky
Praying with Kids
Dear Father, thank You for sending Jesus, who is the greatest Peacemaker of all. We thank You that He gave up His place in Heaven to bring us back to You. Please help us to be like Abram and choose to be kind and patient with our family and friends today.
When we feel like arguing or getting our own way, help us to remember that You will always provide for us. Teach us to trust Your promises more than the things we see. We ask this in the name of Jesus, Amen.
Craft or Activity: My Peace Promise Bracelet
In this activity, kids will create a tangible reminder to be peacemakers, just like Abram and Jesus. As they work, emphasize that a peacemaker doesn't just stop a fight but actively chooses to be generous and kind.
Materials Checklist
Instructions
Begin by explaining that each bead on the bracelet represents a different part of the biblical story and a personal promise to be a peacemaker. Start with a special charm or unique bead to represent God’s promise to Abram. This reminds the children that we can be generous because God has already promised to take care of us.
Next, have the children add a green bead to represent the lush, beautiful land that Lot chose for himself, followed by a brown or tan bead for the dry, rocky land that Abram accepted. Finally, let each child choose a bead in their favorite color to represent themselves and their commitment to choosing peace in their own lives. Have them string the beads, tie the ends together, and talk about one specific way they can be a peacemaker at home or school this week.
Effective Teaching Techniques
Before the children arrive, create a sample Peace Promise Bracelet so you have a visual guide to show them. Having the beads and cords pre-separated into small bowls will help the activity run smoothly and keep the focus on the biblical truth rather than the supplies.
For younger children, use pipe cleaners instead of cord because they are much easier for small hands to manage. If you have older students, you can challenge them to write a specific peacemaker pledge on a small card to keep with their bracelet. As they work, encourage the kids to help one another with difficult knots. This is a great way to put the lesson into practice immediately by showing patience and kindness in the classroom.