INTRODUCTION

Jacob Deceives Esau and Isaac

Bible Point:

Honesty is important to God.

Key Verse:

“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy” (Proverbs 12:22).

Big Picture:

Practice being honest, even when it’s difficult.

Jacob Deceives Esau and Isaac

Genesis 25:27-34; 27:1-40

You are at an age where honesty can start to feel complicated. You are beginning to realize that you can be dishonest and sometimes no one will notice. But this week, you will learn why honesty still matters even when no one is watching. Honesty is a big part of living a life of integrity. Integrity means your words and actions match who you want to be. As you study, you will see how choosing truth protects your relationships, builds trust, and reflects the character of God.

PLANTING THE SEED

In Genesis 25:27-34; 27:1-40, Jacob really wanted Isaac’s blessing. He knew that getting the blessing meant the best food, the choicest cattle, and a secure future. Jacob wanted the blessing so badly he was willing to do whatever he could to get it, even if it meant cheating his brother and deceiving his father.

Imagine being Isaac. You love your son more than anything. And in your old age, you can’t be sure who’s being honest and who’s trying to pull a fast one. Jacob took advantage of Isaac’s age and poor eyesight. Jacob’s actions demonstrate God’s reasons for wanting us to always tell the truth. If we aren’t honest, we’ll hurt our family, friends, and ultimately, our relationship with God.

• What are some areas in your life in which you aren’t being completely honest? What can you do to change this?

• When has a lie you’ve told damaged a relationship with a family member?

• What are some ways we can be honest with God?

FAMILY FAITH STORIES

After a family meal, play “Who’s the Deceiver?” Have one piece of paper for each member of the family. On one of the sheets of paper, put a mark. After distributing the papers, ask family members to share one thing they did that day. Have the family member who got the marked paper respond with an untruth. After sharing, have family members see if they can tell which family member told the untruth. After the game, discuss why it’s important to tell the truth.

READY, SET, GROW!

Choose a way you’ll show honesty in your life this week.

• Go back to someone you’ve lied to recently and tell that person the truth. Don’t forget to apologize for lying in the first place.

• Write the Key Verse on an index card and decorate it with drawings of things that are delightful to you. Hang it up somewhere you’ll see it often. Remember the Key Verse any time you see any of the things you drew on the index card.

• Encourage your friends to stand up for the truth, even if it’s difficult.