Jacob's New Name
This week’s Redemption Kids lesson is about the wrestling match with Jacob!
Sunday Story Time
Each Sunday we have a story time, discussion time, worship time, and close by recapping the lesson.
Story Time
Start by reading this week’s lesson to your children, or by having them read it to you. Then watch this week’s lesson video.
Read the Passage: Genesis 32-33 (ESV)
If you’re looking for the story in one of the many incredible children’s Bibles, check these out:
Big Picture Story Bible: God’s People Grow (p85)
The Beginner’s Bible: A Big Family (p68)
Gospel Story Bible: Jacob’s Wrestling Match (p42)
Action Story Bible: Touched By An Angel (p88)
Watch the Video: Check out this morning’s lesson from Pastor Robin as he shares about The Match!
Discussion Time
After watching the video, ask the following questions to further teach and apply today’s lesson.
Minis/Littles Discussion Questions
Ask the following questions, leading discussion as suggested:
Why was Jacob afraid to see his brother Esau? (Jacob had stolen his father’s blessing from Esau)
Why did Jacob tell part of his family to go one way and the other part to go another? (If Esau fought one group, maybe the other group could get away)
Whom did Jacob wrestle with all night? (God)
What did God change Jacob’s name to? (Israel)
Was Esau happy or angry to see Jacob? (happy)
Does God keep His promises? (God always keeps His promises)
Bigs/Elementary Discussion Questions
Ask the following questions, leading discussion as suggested:
Why was Jacob afraid about going back to Canaan? (He feared Esau would still be angry and want to kill him, Gen. 32: 7)
Who did Jacob wrestle with? (Jacob wrestled with God, and God blessed him; Gen. 32:28-30)
Was Esau still angry with Jacob? (No, he was happy to see his brother; Gen. 33:4)
Who did Jacob trust when he faced a situation he feared? Who can we trust when we are afraid? (Guide kids to see that Jacob prayed to God for help and asked Him to protect his family. Jacob reminded God of His promises and asked Him to be faithful. Tie that to the fact that we can pray when we are afraid and ask God to help us be bold for His glory)
What are ways that God blesses people? (Guide kids to think about more than just material possessions or wealth. Lead kids to see that salvation, given by grace through faith, is the best blessing God gives)
God changed Jacob’s name to Israel; what are ways we are changed by God when we trust Jesus? (Guide kids to see that we receive new hearts that love God, we receive the Holy Spirit who helps us obey God, and we receive forgiveness for sin so we no longer need to be afraid of God’s judgement)
Worship Time
Let’s stand up, lift our voices, raise our hands - and SING!
Minis/Little - Printable Lyrics
Bigs/Elementary - Printable Lyrics
The Lord is My Strength and Song
Let’s Recap
We close each Sunday by recapping the the lesson with this week’s question & answer, big idea, and Bible verse that we’ll come back to throughout the week.
Big Picture Question: Does God keep His promises?
Big Picture Answer: God always keeps His promises because He is faithful.
Key Passage: Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." Genesis 28:15
Big Idea: God changed Jacob’s name to Israel, the name of God’s covenant people.
Bible Verse - Minis/Littles: Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel. - Genesis 32:28
Bible Verse - Bigs/Elementary: Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have struggled with God and with men, and have overcome.” - Genesis 32:28
Tuesday’s Tales
Story Time
Each Tuesday we take some time to watch a video that reinforces this week’s lesson.
Minis/Littles: Bible Story Video
Bigs/Elementary: Jacob's New Name; Questions From Kids
Let’s Recap
Take some time to review this week’s question & answer, big idea, and Bible verse with your children
Big Picture Question: Does God keep His promises?
Big Picture Answer: God always keeps His promises because He is faithful.
Key Passage: Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." Genesis 28:15
Big Idea: God changed Jacob’s name to Israel, the name of God’s covenant people.
Bible Verse - Minis/Littles: Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel. - Genesis 32:28
Bible Verse - Bigs/Elementary: Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have struggled with God and with men, and have overcome.” - Genesis 32:28
Friday Family Fun
Activity Time
Each Friday we have some fun! Print out the activity sheets and use the Family Discussion & Activity Tips to engage with this week’s lesson.
Minis/Littles: Find the Brothers (p27-28)
Bigs: What's in a Name? (p27-28)
Elementary: Jacob's New Name (p27-28)
Let’s Recap
Let’s see how much of this week’s lesson everyone remembers!
Big Picture Question: Does God keep His promises?
Big Picture Answer: God always keeps His promises because He is faithful.
Key Passage: Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." Genesis 28:15
Big Idea: God changed Jacob’s name to Israel, the name of God’s covenant people.
Bible Verse - Minis/Littles: Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel. - Genesis 32:28
Bible Verse - Bigs/Elementary: Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have struggled with God and with men, and have overcome.” - Genesis 32:28
