INTRODUCTION

Jacob Deceives Esau and Isaac

Bible Point:

God wants us to tell the truth.

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 be truthful.

Jacob Deceives Esau and Isaac

Genesis 25:27-32; 27:1-40

Many 5- and 6-year-olds love trying to trick people, but they don’t know the boundary between joking and when the joke or trick becomes a deception or lie. Joking and having fun is not the problem, but intentions are at the heart of the matter. Jacob disguised himself and turned into one of the world’s most famous liars. Deep down in their hearts, kids know the difference between joking and lying, but they will need to let God help them with discernment to know their own hearts. Use this lesson to help children learn that God wants them to speak and act with truth, unlike what Jacob and Rebekah did.

PLANTING THE SEED

BIBLE TIME!

The Bible (Genesis 25:27-34; 27:1-40) tells us that God wants us to tell the truth. Isaac and Rebekah had twin sons who grew up to be very different. Esau was the oldest. He had lots of hair, was strong, and loved to be outdoors hunting. Jacob, on the other hand, liked to stay at home and was known for his cooking skills. Jacob and his mother, Rebekah, were determined to get the blessing of Isaac’s wealth that would soon belong to Esau, even if it meant lying. Rebekah helped Jacob disguise himself as his brother by using Esau’s clothes and wrapping goatskins around his arms. Jacob managed to deceive his old, blind father to steal the blessing for himself. But Jacob’s consequences were that he had to flee from his home and family when Esau found out and became very angry.

KEY VERSE

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

BIBLE POINT

God wants us to tell the truth.

PLAY AND PRAY

Build a tent in the backyard, and enjoy a spring evening together. If you don’t have a tent, throw a blanket over a tree limb, picnic table, or clothesline, and lie underneath. Talk about how Jacob and Esau, the twin brothers in the Bible event, were so different. Esau liked to hunt; Jacob liked to hang out in the tents and cook. Jacob lied and tricked his dad so he could steal the riches that really belonged to his brother. Brainstorm with your child about times it’s hard to tell the truth; for example, when you do something wrong and don’t want to get punished. Decide to help each other tell the truth because God wants us to always tell the truth.

ASK

• When is it hard to tell the truth?

• How can we help each other always tell the truth?

FAITHFUL FLAVORS

This fun “Tell-the-Truth Stew” hides no lies because you and your child will add only the ingredients your child likes. Start with your child’s favorite canned soup, and add any of the following that he or she likes: sliced carrots, potatoes, or celery; canned corn, green beans, pinto or kidney beans. As you enjoy the stew, affirm each other by telling one truth about the other, such as “You’re the best kid in the world, and I thank God for you!” If your child adds a lot of ingredients and you can’t eat it all, consider freezing the leftover stew in plastic containers to enjoy later.

ASK

• What’s it like to hear the truth about you?

• Why do you think God wants us to tell the truth?

READY, SET, GROW!

This week, your child learned that God wants us to tell the truth. He or she committed to one of the following challenges to remember that he or she needs to always tell the truth even when it is hard. Help your child weave faith into life this week and follow through on the challenge!

1. Use dolls or toys to act out ways you can be truthful even when it’s hard.

2. Tell your mom or dad about a time when you haven’t been truthful, and ask for forgiveness.

3. Use sidewalk chalk outside to draw pictures of times that God can help you be truthful.