Study together · BCS

Sarah

A barren woman who laughed at God's promise, then laughed for joy when he kept it.

The story

1. Leaving with Abram Gen 11:30-12:5

   She is barren, and she goes anyway. She leaves home for a promise of descendants she cannot give.

2. The Hagar plan Gen 16:1-6

   She gives her servant Hagar to Abram to get a child. When Hagar conceives and despises her, she blames Abram and drives Hagar away.

3. Laughter in the tent Gen 18:9-15

   At ninety she overhears the promise and laughs to herself. Afraid, she denies it. The LORD answers, “No, but you did laugh.”

4. Isaac is born Gen 21:1-7

   The LORD does to Sarah as he promised. Her laugh of doubt turns into a laugh of joy.

5. Remembered for faith Gen 23:1-2; Heb 11:11

   She dies at 127 and Abraham mourns and weeps for her. Hebrews remembers her faith that God was faithful.

Key verses

“God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.” Genesis 21:6 (ESV)

Read together: Gen 11:30-12:5 · Gen 16:1-6 · Gen 18:9-15 · Gen 21:1-7 · Gen 23:1-2; Heb 11:11

Questions to sit with

1. Sarah tried to make the promise happen on her own terms. Where do you find yourself managing God's timing?
2. God kept his word to her even after she laughed and denied it. What does that say about how he treats your doubt?

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible, © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission.