Abraham Visited by Three Angels

Once upon a time, in the sun-drenched plains of Mamre, near the grand trees that stood tall and strong, lived a man named Abraham. He was known far and wide for his great faith and trust in the Lord God.

This story is a tale of unexpected visitors, magnificent promises, and the boundless kindness exhibited by Abraham. So, let us set off on this delightful journey through the Bible and uncover the wonders that unfolded when Abraham was visited by three angels.

Abraham Visited by Three Angels

It was a day like any other in the land where Abraham had settled. The sun was high, and a gentle breeze rustled through the leaves of the oaks of Mamre. Abraham sat in the entrance of his tent during the heat of the day, seeking a moment of respite from the sun's relentless warmth.

Suddenly, as he looked up, Abraham saw three men standing nearby. He did not know who they were or from whence they came, but with a heart full of generosity and respect, he hurried from his tent to greet them. Bowing low to the ground, he said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree." (Genesis 18:3-4).

A Feast Prepared with Love

Abraham was eager to serve these strangers. He hastened into the tent to Sarah, his wife, and said, “Quick, get three seahs of fine flour and knead it and bake some bread.” (Genesis 18:6). He then ran to his herd, chose a tender, choice calf, and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it.

Once everything was ready, Abraham brought out curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared. He set these before them and waited nearby under a tree as they ate.

Promises and Laughter

As they ate, the visitors asked Abraham, “Where is your wife Sarah?” and he replied, “There, in the tent.” Then one of the guests, who was no ordinary traveler but the Lord Himself, said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son." (Genesis 18:10).

Sarah, listening at the tent entrance, laughed silently to herself. She thought, "After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” The Lord, hearing her doubts, questioned Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” (Genesis 18:13-14). Sarah, afraid, denied laughing, but He said, “Yes, you did laugh.” (Genesis 18:15).

Despite Sarah's incredulity, the Lord affirmed His promise, a promise of a long-awaited child; a son who would bring joy and continue the lineage of Abraham.

The Visitors' Departure and a Grave Concern

After the meal, the men got up to leave and looked toward Sodom. Abraham walked along with them to see them on their way. The Lord then pondered whether He should conceal His next actions from Abraham, considering him a chosen one through whom all nations of the earth would be blessed.

He revealed to Abraham that He was going to Sodom and Gomorrah to see if their wickedness was as great as the outcry that had reached Him. If so, He was prepared to destroy them.

Abraham's Plea

Abraham, concerned for the righteous people who might be living there, approached the Lord and inquired, “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?” (Genesis 18:23). He then boldly negotiated with the Lord, asking if He would spare the cities for the sake of fifty, then forty-five, then thirty, then twenty, and finally ten righteous people. Each time, the Lord agreed, saying “For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it.” (Genesis 18:32).

Ultimately, the visitors—angels of the Lord—departed, and Abraham returned home, his heart filled with the gravity of God's impending judgment, yet comforted by the mercy shown in his plea for the righteous.

Key Takeaways

• Faith and Hospitality: Abraham teaches us the importance of being kind and hospitable, even to strangers who may be divine messengers.
• God's Promises: The Lord's reassurance to Abraham and Sarah about bearing a son shows that His promises are true and should never be doubted.
• Intercessory Prayer: Abraham's negotiation with God demonstrates the power and importance of intercessory prayer and concern for others.

Make It More Fun:

Kids, imagine you are at Abraham's place seeing the three visitors approach. What would you offer them? Draw a picture of Abraham’s tent and the three angels, and share your drawing with your friends or family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Abraham show such hospitality to the three men?
A: Abraham believed in treating all guests with great respect and kindness. His actions also reflect the customs of hospitality during that time.

Q: Why did Sarah laugh when she heard she was going to have a baby?
A: Sarah laughed because she was old and thought it was impossible for her to have a child at her age.

Q: Who were the three visitors that came to Abraham?
A: The three visitors were angels sent by God. One of them was the Lord Himself, appearing in human form.

Q: How did Abraham serve the three visitors?
A: Abraham served the visitors with freshly baked bread, a tender calf, and dairy products like curds and milk.

Q: What did Abraham negotiate with God?
A: Abraham negotiated with God about sparing the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah if there were any righteous people living there. He asked God to spare the city if at least ten righteous people were found.

Let's remember that being generous and kind, like Abraham, brings joy to others and is pleasing to God. Now you have heard how Abraham was visited by three angels, and how his faith and goodness shine brightly as an example for everyone to follow.