This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Genesis 18:1-16, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once upon a time, Abraham was sitting outside his tent in the hot sun when he saw three men standing in front of him. He was happy to see them and ran to meet them, bowing down to show respect. He asked if they would like some water and a little bit of food to eat. The men said yes, so Abraham went to his wife Sarah and asked her to make some cakes. Then he went to the herd and took a calf, which he gave to a young man to cook. Abraham gave the men some milk, curds, and the calf that he had prepared, and they ate it.
Once the men had finished eating, they asked Abraham where his wife Sarah was. Abraham told them that she was in their tent. One of the men said that Sarah would have a baby boy the next year. Sarah was listening at the door of the tent and heard what the man said. She was very surprised because she and Abraham were very old and had never had a baby before. She laughed to herself, thinking it was impossible.
But the Lord heard Sarah laughing and asked Abraham why she had laughed. Abraham was scared and did not answer. Then the Lord said that Sarah would indeed have a baby boy the next year, even though she was old. Sarah said she had not laughed, but the Lord knew she had. Abraham did not say anything.
After that, the men left and Abraham went with them to show them the way. They looked down toward the city of Sodom, which was known for its wickedness.
Biblical Lessons
- God values hospitality and kindness towards strangers.
- God keeps His promises, even when it seems impossible from a human perspective.
- It’s important to trust in God’s plan and timing, even when we don’t understand it.
Related Stories
Must-Read Christian Books
The Pursuit of God
A heartfelt call to pursue God Himself above all else, with a strong emphasis on holiness and devotion.
View on Amazon
Holiness
A rich, pastoral treatment of sin, sanctification, and the fight for holiness in the Christian life, deeply rooted in Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Pilgrim's Progress
A classic allegory of the Christian journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City, saturated with Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Holiness of God
Sproul unfolds the blazing holiness of God and why a right fear of the Lord is vital to true worship.
View on Amazon
Scripture Alone
Explains and defends the authority and sufficiency of Scripture over all human traditions.
View on Amazon
Overcoming Sin and Temptation
A classic Puritan work on mortifying sin and living in the power of the Spirit.
View on Amazon
The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination
Explains and defends the doctrines of grace and God's sovereign election from Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Mortification of Sin
A Puritan classic urging believers to put sin to death by the power of the Spirit.
View on Amazon
A Body of Divinity
A warm, devotional exposition of the Westminster Shorter Catechism's doctrines.
View on Amazon
The Bondage of the Will
Luther's classic defense of the Bible's teaching on human sin and God's sovereign grace.
View on Amazon
The Westminster Confession of Faith
A historic confession that systematically sets forth Reformed theology from Scripture.
View on Amazon
Worship Matters
Helps worship leaders and churches keep the gospel central in congregational worship.
View on Amazon
The Christian Life
A clear, doctrinally rich overview of salvation and Christian living.
View on Amazon
The Whole Christ
Deals with legalism, antinomianism, and the grace of God in union with Christ.
View on Amazon
Family Worship
A short, practical guide to leading your home in daily worship of God.
View on Amazon
The Peacemaker
Biblical principles for resolving conflict in a way that honors Christ and reconciles people.
View on Amazon