Elementary Level, Block 3—Jacob and Joseph
Week 22
Jacob—Chosen by God
Point to Emphasize: God will take care of all of our needs. We just need to follow Him.
Reference Reading: Genesis 28
Memory Verse: Behold, I am with you and will keep you… (Genesis 28:15)
Story Sample
Have you ever had to worry about not having anything to wear? Not having food to eat for dinner? What about not having a snack to bring to school? Today we’ll hear a story about Jacob. And we will learn that, like Jacob, God will take care of all of our needs.
Jacob had an older brother, an older twin, Esau. At that time, the custom was for the older child to get all the blessing from their father. Jacob was born second, but he wished he was born first so that he would get the blessing. But God arranged for Jacob to be born second, after his brother. I was born second, and I just accepted it. Not Jacob though. He thought of ways that he could get what rightfully belonged to his brother. And one day, he just did that. Do you think Esau was happy with him? No way. If my sister got something that belonged to me, especially without my permission, I would be very angry with her.
So because Jacob took something that belonged to his brother, his brother Esau got very angry. As a result Jacob had to leave his house and his family. But he was not alone. No. One night, when he was trying to find a place to sleep, God appeared to him, just like God appeared to Noah and to Abraham. God would appear to people to speak to them.
When God appeared to Jacob, God told him that He was the God of Abraham (Jacob’s grandfather) and the God of Isaac (Jacob’s father) and that He had chosen him, too. God promised to give Jacob three things: land for him and his family; seed, which means a large family; and for all the families of the earth to be blessed through him. That meant God would take care of all of his needs. And what did Jacob have to do to receive all these promises? Nothing, except to follow God.
When I was younger, my parents would take my brother, my sister, and me on vacations. At those times I didn’t have to worry about anything regarding our trip. I didn’t have to pack my clothes or food or sunscreen or pajamas. Whatever I needed, my mom took care of. If we were going to the pool, she’d have my swimsuit ready. If we got hungry, she would buy or prepare food for us. All I needed to do was follow my parents. [Storyteller, insert your own story of God caring for your needs by following your parents.]
Jacob was away from home and his family. But God promised to be with him. Even though he did something wrong, he was still chosen by God. God said He would not leave him. God even promised him land, seed, and blessing of all families through him.
God also chose us to be those who love Him and to have parents who love Him, trust in Him, and follow Him. That’s why He placed us in the family we are in. God will take care of all of our needs. We don’t have to worry about anything. All we need to do is follow God by following our parents.