Children can usually relate to conflicts of sibling rivalry, so the story of Jacob and Esau is a relatable one to share. Hopefully their relationships with brothers and sisters are somewhat better than the twins in the Old Testament passage, though! With this lesson, emphasize to children how tricking and deceiving people can be harmful. It is important for us to live with love toward one another and get along, as God wants us to live.Â
The wonderful and redeeming message of the Jacob and Esau story is that God can still use us, even when our lives are full of struggle and mistakes. Jacob certainly did wrong by tricking his brother, and Esau should not have sought to kill him. However (spoiler alert), in the end, God used the situation for His purposes. His promises were fulfilled in Jacob, from whom were born the tribes of Israel. Even when we sin and act as we shouldn’t, God gives us second chances and redeems our lives!Â
Passage: Genesis 25:19-34, 27:5-13, 30-38, 41-45
Target Audience: Kindergarten-6th gradeÂ
Materials Needed: Construction paper; decorative supplies; glue; markers or crayons; tape; scissors; blindfolds/bandanas, paper bags; socks; cups; brown paper; markers; Bibles.
