INTRODUCTION

Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel

Bible Point:

God helps us.

Key Verse:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Big Picture:

Children will recognize ways God helps them.

Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel

Genesis 29:15-30

There’s a lot that 5- and 6-year-olds are learning to do. Whether their new skills include tying their shoes, reading a new word, a new math skill, or running really fast, they’re changing all the time and in many ways are finding out how God made them special. God can help them with all kinds of things. Use this lesson to help kids understand that God wants to help them with everything they face and encounter.

PLANTING THE SEED

BIBLE TIME!

The Bible (Genesis 29:15-30) tells us that God helps us. God had to help Jacob in a big way. Jacob fell in love with Rachel, the youngest daughter of his uncle Laban. Laban required Jacob to work for him for seven years before he would let Jacob marry Rachel. Jacob worked his seven years only to be tricked on his wedding day by his uncle. Laban gave him the older daughter, Leah, instead of Rachel! Then Jacob had to work for seven more years for the one he loved. Rachel was worth the extra time. Even though things looked bad at times, God always worked for good. God gave Jacob a safe, new place to live, work to do, and a new family to love.

KEY VERSE

In all things God works for good (adapted from Romans 8:28).

BIBLE POINT

God helps us.

PLAY AND PRAY

Tell your child that one of the ways God helps us is by giving us caring people to help us when bad things happen. Write a list of people who help others, such as firefighters, doctors, garbage collectors, and recyclers. Choose one occupation and call ahead to arrange a visit—to a fire or police station, for example.

ASK

• How does God help [name of occupation you visited?

• How does God help us?

FAITHFUL FLAVORS

Help your child make this refreshing spring snack. Remind your child that just as you’re helping to prepare the snack, God is always helping us. God is always there, even when a parent is not. Let your child pour a small package of instant pudding mix into a gallon-size plastic bag. Then pour in one cup of milk and one cup of vanilla yogurt. Leave a little air inside the bag, and then seal the bag securely. Let your child squish the ingredients together. Then pour the mixture into freezer-pop molds or plastic cups. Place the molds in the freezer. When the pudding begins to harden, push a craft stick into each one as a handle. Enjoy the fruits of helpfulness.

ASK

• How did we help each other prepare the snack?

• How does God always help us?

READY, SET, GROW!

This week, your child learned that God helps us. He or she committed to one of the following challenges to remember that God is always helping us, even when we can’t see God. Help your child weave faith into life this week and follow through on the challenge!

1. Ask your parents to help you make a list of the ways God helps you in your life right now and thank him for his help. Then pray for God’s help with anything you need help with right now.

2. Draw a picture for a police officer, nurse, firefighter, or other community helper. Give that person the picture with thanks for allowing God to use him or her to help others.

3. Lift a heavy household object with a parent’s help, and thank him or her for helping you just as God does.