Children’s Bible Program – Level 1: Lesson 31 “Jacob, and Esau, and the Promises”

Featured Passage: Genesis 25-27

Jacob and Esau were twins, but never were two people more different. Esau was hairy, but Jacob had smooth skin. Esau was a skillful hunter, but Jacob was a mild-natured shepherd. Esau was the older of the two, but God chose Jacob to inherit the promises. One day Jacob was cooking lentil stew when Esau came in from the fields. He had been hunting and was very hungry. Jacob, whose name means “supplanter” (schemer), offered to give Esau some stew in exchange his rights as the firstborn. Esau agreed because he did not value his birthright. The day came when it was time for Isaac to pass the blessings on to his sons. He wanted to give the greater blessing to Esau. Rebekah and Jacob decided to try to trick Isaac into giving Jacob the blessing. For Jacob to receive the birthright and the blessing would impact the rest of history. 

Discuss:

• The twins Jacob and Esau were very different from each other in many ways. They became the fathers of distinct nations.
• What attitude did Esau display when he sold his birthright for a bowl of lentil stew? Did Esau appreciate his birthright? Talk about God’s laws concerning inheritance and the responsibilities and blessings of being firstborn in the family.
• What were some of the Commandments that were broken when Jacob and his mother tricked Isaac into giving Jacob the blessing?
• It was God’s intent for Jacob to receive the promises. However, Jacob did not wait for God to give the promises to him. He tried to take the matter into his own hands instead of relying on God. 

Memory Challenge

Genesis 27:29

“Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be master over your brethren, and let your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be those who bless you!”