Introduction for: Year 1, Lesson 09
Jacob & Esau
The Big Idea (Textual Principle):
God’s mission keeps going even when people make bad choices.
Genesis 25–27
Biblical Virtue (Timeless Principle)
Honesty – We tell the truth and trust God with the outcome.
Memory Verse
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights... -James 1:17a
Jacob & Esau
Bible Text: Genesis 25–27
Answer the following questions:
After asking these for yourself, you will be ready to ask these questions of the students after you tell the story.| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What did you like in the story? | |
| What did you not like in the story? | |
| What does the story teach you about God? | |
| What does the story teach you about mankind? | |
| What might the Lord be calling you to do after hearing this story? |
Teacher Soft Skills Development
Create 5 Questions and answers to thoughtfully review the text.| Question | Answer | |
|---|---|---|
| Who | ||
| What | ||
| When | ||
| Where | ||
| Why | ||
| How |
Classroom Sequence for Jacob & Esau (Genesis 25–27)
#1 Welcome the Students
AHello students, please sit down and stay quiet for prayer.”
BPray and praise God for a beautiful day, and
ask God to bless the teacher and students.
#2 Rules Review
Use the rules chart to remind everyone to sit, listen, watch, put away their toys/personal items, and have fun.
#3 Music
Sing two or more joyful songs.
#4 Five-Finger Prayer Time
Thumb
Praise God for His
worthy character
Index Finger
Confess sins
Middle Finger
Thank God for
His great care
Ring Finger
Pray for those
who are weak
or in need
Pinky
Pray for my own
needs
#5 Bible Time
Use the rules chart to remind everyone to sit, listen, watch, avoid toys, and have fun.
#6 Story Time
Engage:
Activity: “God’s Big Plan Mystery”
Time: 1 minute
Purpose: Engage students with the family dynamics of the story while pointing them toward God’s mission and purposes.
Steps:
Set the Scene (15 seconds):
Teacher says: “The story we’re about to hear is about a family—two brothers, a mom, and a dad. They make choices that change their future. But even when people make mistakes, God is still working out His big plan for the world. Let’s play a quick guessing game to get ready!”Riddle Challenge (30 seconds):
Teacher says:- “One brother loves hunting and being outdoors.”
- “The other brother prefers cooking and staying close to home.”
- “The dad has a favorite son, and the mom has a secret plan to help the other son.”
Then ask the class: “Who do you think will end up with the special blessing—the hunter or the cook?”
Let students call out their guesses.
Teacher adds: “Remember, no matter who gets the blessing, God is using this family to keep His promise to bless the whole world.”
Wrap Up (15 seconds):
Teacher says: “Great guesses! In the story, we’ll find out who gets the blessing, how the plan works, and what happens to this family. As you listen, think about how God’s mission—His plan to bless all people—keeps moving forward even when families struggle.”
Expound: Tell the Story (5-10 minutes)
1. Mention the historical situation.
2. Begin: “This is a true story from God’s
Word.”
3. Tell accurately with gestures/pictures.
(Accurate/Transferable/Contextual/Short)
Explain (Before or after the story – not during):
1. Share insights and biblical principles.
2. Compare with Jesus or NT when appropriate.
3. Identify Christian virtue(s): Honesty – We tell the truth and trust God with the outcome.
4. Apply an example to real life.
Note: Learning to read the full passage and accurately retell a short version is part of the personal development of the teacher.
#7 Expand
Do 2 or 3 of the following as time permits. The teacher does not have to do everything listed – just choose according to the time permitted.
A. Retell the Story so the students can memorize it.
If possible, tell the story again so the students can memorize it.
B. Craft
Paper Chain Bible Craft
“God’s Promise Through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob”
What This Craft Teaches
This paper chain helps children see how God’s promises were passed down through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Each link represents one person in God’s plan.
Materials
- Construction paper strips (about 2 × 20 cm / 1 × 8 in)
- Yellow or orange (Abraham)
- Green (Isaac)
- Purple or blue (Jacob)
- Scissors
- Glue sticks or tape
- Markers or crayons
- Stapler (optional, for durability)
Optional:
- Stickers or small icon drawings (stars, tents, hearts, etc.)
Preparation (Teacher or Helper)
- Pre‑cut paper strips for younger children.
- Write the names lightly in pencil if needed for early readers.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Step 1: Decorate the First Strip (Abraham)
- Take the first paper strip.
- Write “Abraham” clearly in the center.
- Decorate with symbols, such as:
- stars (God’s promise of many descendants)
- tent (Abraham’s journey)
- Color or outline with markers.
Step 2: Make It a Loop
- Curl the strip into a circle.
- Overlap the ends slightly.
- Glue, tape, or staple to secure.
This is your first chain link.
Step 3: Add the Second Strip (Isaac)
- Insert the second strip through the Abraham loop.
- Write “Isaac” on the strip.
- Decorate (trees, family, gifts).
- Close it into a loop and secure.
This shows that Isaac comes after Abraham.
Step 4: Add the Third Strip (Jacob)
- Thread the third strip through the Isaac loop.
- Write “Jacob”.
- Decorate (heart, family symbols, sandals).
- Close the loop.
Step 5: Review and Display
- Hold the chain up and read the names together.
- Talk about how God kept His promise through each person.
C. Total Physical Response
Big Idea: God is carrying out His mission through families and promises, even when people make mistakes.
| Teacher Says | Student Movement |
|---|---|
| God chose a family | Point up, then outward |
| There were twin brothers | Two fingers |
| Esau hunted | Look far away |
| Jacob cooked | Stir |
| Esau was very hungry | Hold stomach |
| Esau traded his birthright | Switch hands |
| Isaac was very old | Bend forward |
| Isaac gave a blessing | Hands on head |
| Jacob wore a disguise | Cover arms |
| God’s promise continued | Point up, then hand on heart |
| People make mistakes | Shake head |
| God keeps His promises | Point up, then hand on heart |
| We are part of God’s mission | Point to self |