Abraham and the Three Visitors

This post may contain affiliate link, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links I'll get a small commission at no cost to you.

One sunny afternoon, Abraham sat outside his tent when three strangers appeared. Little did he know this would become one of the most famous Bible stories - Abraham and the Three Visitors! These weren't ordinary travelers, they where angels sent by God to Abraham.

Abraham rushed to welcome them with his very best food and drink. This exciting story which can be found in Genesis 18 teaches us about kindness, God's amazing promises, and how nothing is too hard for Him! Get ready for surprises, laughter, and a miracle baby - all because Abraham said "yes" to being hospitable.

Key Themes:

  • Divine revelation through ordinary moments
  • The sacred duty of hospitality
  • Faith tested and reaffirmed

Fun Fact: The Oaks of Mamre, where Abraham settled, later became a site of pilgrimage. Some traditions link it to modern-day Hebron.

While at it, also check out this story: Abraham and Isaac story for kids

Quiz of the Day

Quiz of the Day

1/5

What was Jesus teaching about when he said, "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder"?


Towards which city was Saul travelling when he encountered a light from heaven?


Aaron turned his rod into a serpent before Pharaoh, and Pharaoh's magicians did likewise, but what happened to their serpents?


Which disciple wanted to see the imprint of the nails before he would believe?


What was the name of Moses" brother?


Your Score: /5

Table of Contents
See also  Signs of the Second Coming of Jesus

Abraham and the Three Visitors

Chapter 1: The Arrival of the Strangers (Genesis 18:1–8)

Abraham and the Three Visitors 4
Abraham and the Three Visitors

A Glimpse into Ancient Hospitality

In Abraham’s time, refusing travelers was unthinkable—water, food, and shelter were freely given. When Abraham saw the three men standing nearby, he didn’t hesitate. Despite his age (around 99 years old), he ran to meet them, bowing low in respect (Genesis 18:2). His urgency underscores his reverence.

Abraham’s Lavish Welcome

  1. The Invitation: “Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree” (Genesis 18:4).
  • Washing feet was a practical act (roads were dusty) and a symbolic gesture of honor.
  1. The Feast: Abraham didn’t offer leftovers. He instructed Sarah to bake fresh bread (using fine flour) and ordered a servant to prepare a choice calf—a costly meal reserved for honored guests.
  2. Serving Them: Abraham stood nearby as they ate, adopting the posture of a servant.

Key Lesson: True hospitality is generous, immediate, and sacrificial.

Discussion Question: When has an act of kindness to a stranger blessed you unexpectedly?

Chapter 2: The Promise Reiterated (Genesis 18:9–15)

Abraham and the Three Visitors 3
Abraham and the Three Visitors

The Shocking Announcement

As the visitors ate, one (identified as the Lord in Genesis 18:13) asked, “Where is your wife Sarah?” This was no small talk. He then declared:

“I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.” (Genesis 18:10)

Sarah’s Silent Laughter

Sarah, eavesdropping from the tent, laughed inwardly (Genesis 18:12). Her doubt was understandable:

  • She was 90 years old and long past menopause.
  • Abraham was nearly 100. Humanly speaking, parenthood was impossible.

Yet God confronted her: “Why did Sarah laugh? … Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:13–14).

Biblical Significance

  • Divine Omniscience: The Lord knew Sarah’s thoughts, revealing His supernatural nature.
  • Covenant Faithfulness: This promise reaffirmed Genesis 17:19, where God named Isaac (“he laughs”) before his conception.

Fun Fact: Isaac’s name forever memorialized both Abraham’s joyous laughter (Genesis 17:17) and Sarah’s doubt-turned-joy (Genesis 21:6).

Discussion Question: What “impossible” situation do you need to trust God for today?

See also  The Day of Pentecost

Chapter 3: The Interlude—A Conversation About Sodom (Genesis 18:16–33)

Abraham and the Three Visitors 2
Abraham and the Three Visitors

Why Did God Reveal His Plan?

As the visitors prepared to leave, the Lord paused, saying:

“Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?” (Genesis 18:17)

God’s transparency with Abraham reflects their intimate relationship. He knew Abraham would teach his household righteousness (Genesis 18:19).

Abraham’s Bold Intercession

Learning of Sodom’s impending judgment (due to its wickedness), Abraham negotiated with God to spare the city for the sake of even ten righteous people (Genesis 18:32). This dialogue reveals:

  • Compassion: Abraham’s concern for Lot (living in Sodom).
  • Audacious Faith: He appealed to God’s justice without presumption (Genesis 18:25).

Key Lesson: Prayer is both a privilege and a partnership with God’s heart.

Discussion Question: How can we balance God’s justice and mercy in our prayers?

Chapter 4: The Departure and Sodom’s Fate (Genesis 19)

Abraham and the Three Visitors 1
Abraham and the Three Visitors

Two Angels, One City

The three visitors split:

  • The Lord departed (Genesis 18:33).
  • Two angels proceeded to Sodom (Genesis 19:1), where Lot showed them hospitality—though the mob’s violence confirmed the city’s corruption.

A Contrast in Hospitality

  • Abraham: Welcomed God with reverence.
  • Sodom: Sought to assault the angels. The city’s moral decay justified its destruction.

Fun Fact: Lot’s wife becoming a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26) is a warning against clinging to sin.

Link to Related Story: Lot’s Escape from Sodom

Chapter 5: The Aftermath—Isaac’s Birth and Legacy

The birth of Isaac
Abraham and the Three Visitors

A Year Later: God’s Promise Fulfilled

Exactly as foretold, Sarah conceived and bore Isaac (Genesis 21:1–3). The laughter of disbelief became the laughter of joy.

Foreshadowing Christ

  • The three visitors hint at the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).
  • Isaac’s birth parallels Jesus’ miraculous conception.
  • Abraham’s intercession prefigures Christ, our High Priest (Hebrews 7:25).

Key Lesson: God’s timing is perfect, even when it defies logic.

What Can We Learn from This Story?

Abraham and the Three Visitors
Abraham and the Three Visitors
  • God Often Speaks Through Ordinary Moments
    • Divine encounters happened during Abraham’s routine hospitality.
    • Application: Be present in daily tasks—God may speak through chores, meals, or strangers.
    • Scripture: "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some have entertained angels unaware" (Hebrews 13:2).
  • Hospitality Is Sacred Service
    • Abraham’s lavish welcome (running, bowing, sacrificing a calf) honored God.
    • Application: Generosity to others is worship. Practice "radical hospitality"—give your best, not leftovers.
    • Discussion: Who in your life needs an unexpected act of welcome?
  • Nothing Is Too Hard for God
    • Sarah’s laughter at bearing a child at 90 revealed her doubt. God’s response: "Is anything too wonderful for the Lord?" (Genesis 18:14).
    • Application: Identify areas where you’ve limited God with human logic. Trust His timing.
    • Exercise: Write down a "laughable" prayer request—then pray boldly.
  • Intercession Changes Outcomes
    • Abraham’s negotiation for Sodom (Genesis 18:23–32) shows prayer as partnership with God.
    • Application: Pray persistently for others, especially those in spiritual danger.
    • Challenge: Adopt a "city/people group" to intercede for regularly.
  • Obedience Follows Revelation
    • After the encounter, Abraham walked with the visitors toward Sodom (Genesis 18:16), aligning with God’s heart.
    • Application: When God speaks, respond with immediate action.
    • Reflection: What recent promptings from God have you delayed acting on?
See also  Stories of Healing in the Bible

Discussion Questions:

  • What "strangers" (immigrants, outsiders, difficult people) is God calling you to welcome?
  • How has doubt (like Sarah’s) hindered your faith?
  • Where do you need to persistently intercede today?

Bible Verses to Remember

  • “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14)
  • “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” (Romans 4:3)
  • “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2)

Prayer Time: Be Like Abraham!

Abraham prayed boldly for Sodom!

Activity: Write/draw prayers like trading cards:

  1. "God, please help my friend who’s sick" (Like Abraham’s prayer for Lot)
  2. "Thank You for my dog!" (A happy prayer)

Key Idea: God loves when we talk to Him!

The "Nothing Is Too Hard" SONG

(Sing to tune of "Father Abraham")

"Abraham had three visitors,
They ate bread and meat-y!
God said ‘Sarah’s gonna have a baby!’
NOTHING’S too hard for Me!"

  • (Add actions:)
  • Hold up 3 fingers for visitors
  • Rub tummy for "meat-y"
  • Rock arms like baby for "baby"
  • Point up on "Me!"

Remember: Like Abraham, expect God to show up in ordinary moments—and respond with radical faith!

Avatar photo

Editor

Hi there! I'm a proud father of three amazing kids with a loving wife, and storytelling has always been a big part of my life. I love creating stories that inspire, teach, and bring a little light into the world. Whether it's a Bible-based story, a motivational story that lifts the spirit, or an educational piece that sparks curiosity, my goal is to encourage and inspire readers of all ages. Writing is more than just words on a page for me—it’s a way to share faith, hope, and creativity. Thanks for stopping by, and I hope my stories bring joy to your journey!

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Go up